This is the third consecutive year that [5] Dominic Thiem (AUT) has made it to a major final. In 2018 and 2019, he made it to the final of the French Open. Hard court has traditionally not been his favorite surface; however, like Rafael Nadal, he is learning to navigate it with success. Of his sixteen titles, five of them have come on hard court, with his biggest one being the 2019 ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells title. Thiem becomes the first Austrian to make it to the final of the Australian Open.

Formidable Opponent in Djokovic

To claim his first major title though, he will have to get by defending champion and number two seed, Novak Djokovic. Meanwhile Djokovic is going for his eighth Australian Open title. The Serb appears invincible and leads their head-to-head 6:4. However, interestingly, Thiem won their last two meetings. Can he defeat Djokovic for a third consecutive time? We will find out on Sunday.

Thiem Hopes Third Time’s The Charm

Thiem, like the young American woman in the final, [14] Sofia Kenin is trying to win his first major title. Unlike the Kenin though, he has had two previous attempts and now perhaps he is more comfortable and will have the intangible ingredient that will get him across the finish line victorious.

As comfortable as Djokovic is at being in major finals, he will be as nervous as Thiem; perhaps even more so considering what is at stake. Thiem should watch the start of Djokovic’s match against [3] Roger Federer (SUI). The Serb was a little sluggish and perhaps if Thiem comes out focused, he can capitalize and possibly apply enough pressure to rattle Djokovic.

Expect A Fight From Both Guys

In any event, it will be a battle as neither player is stepping on the court with the idea of losing this final. Will the Austrian walk away with the title, or will the Serbian defend his title and claim his seventeenth major title?

SOURCE OF IMAGES: Zimbio.com (Getty Images AsiaPac)