Daniil Medvedev has emerged champion of the 2020 ATP Finals after a hard-fought victory over US Open champion Dominic Thiem at the O2 Arena in London.
The 24-year-old was made to fight for every point as he claimed a 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 win to seal the biggest title of his career yet.
Thiem was in control as he led the second-set-tie-break but eventual champion Medvedev started to turn things around by claiming the next seven available points in a row to force a decider, before coming through the final set to clinch the game.
Medvedev, who will finish the year fourth on the world rankings is the only player to beat the three highest-ranked players at the season-ending finale after dispatching the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
This year’s showpiece was held in London, with the event set to move to Turin, Italy, next year.
“My level of game here and especially the last two matches I won are just unbelievable,” said Medvedev.
“I think it can give me a lot for my future career. To beat Dominic today is probably my best victory of my life. It’s a great boost of confidence for all the slams coming up.”
Medvedev vs Thiem: Match Stats
| Medvedev | Match Stats | Thiem |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Aces | 6 |
| 3 | Double Faults | 1 |
| 77% | 1st serve win percentage | 74% |
| 55% | 2nd serve win percentage | 44% |
| 1/9 | Break points won | 1/4 |
| 37 | Total winners | 29 |
| 30 | Unforced errors | 29 |
| 115/227 | Total points won | 112/227 |
With no spectators inside the O2, Medvedev’s celebrations were relatively quiet, before he and the runner-up had a lengthy hug at the net.
This defeat does not take away the incredible season Thiem has had.
He can still reflect on a successful year as he reached two finals; first losing to Djokovic at the Australian Open, before emerging with his first major title ever in New York.
Congratulations
Well deserved. Congrats.