Mutua Madrid Open, Spain

Men’s Semifinal: [7] Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs. [8] Kevin Anderson (RSA)

Thiem did the unthinkable, upset Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals on home soil, and now many are expecting him to win the title. In fact, even before this defeat of the king, many have thought he would be the one to dethrone Nadal. They may be a tad premature in their assessment; however, as every tennis fan knows, change is inevitable.

I remember quite well when Roger Federer dethroned Pete Sampras as the “king of grass” and there will soon come another player who dethrones Federer; it’s inevitable.

Anderson had never lost to Thiem in their six previous encounters; however, this was clay and Thiem is quite at home on the surface and he easily dispatched of Anderson 6-4, 6-2.

Men’s Semifinal: [3] Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. [43] Denis Shapovalov (CAN)

Zverev won their only previous encounter last year. Neither player is proficient on the surface; however, both have been improving with each match played and a lot was at stake for both.

Shapovalov came out as he usually does, pumped. He attacked everything Zverev sent his way and fist pumped after every winner he made; however, it was not enough to prevent Zverev from getting the 6-4, 6-1 victory.

Men’s Final Preview:  [3] Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. [7] Dominic Thiem (AUT)

This will be a challenge for the young German; he has only defeated Thiem once in their five previous encounters. To add to the frustration of the German, Thiem won their only final encounter and both times they played on clay. Thiem is riding a wave of confidence after his defeat of Nadal and Anderson; thus, he will no doubt be equally confident that he can dispatch of Zverev again since the German is not as proficient on this surface as he is on hard court.

Zverev has shown that he can adapt quickly; however, even with his mental fortitude and determination he may find it difficult to stop Thiem from winning his first Masters 1000 title. Yet, I have learned over the years, matches are not played on paper.

SOURCE OF IMAGE:  serveandrally