2 weeks after a memorable win over Roger Federer, Pablo Andujar comes from two sets down for the first time in his career to knock out two-time finalist Dominic Thiem in five sets 4-6,5-7,6-3,6-4,6-4 in almost 4 hrs 30 mins. Before this match, the Spaniard hadn’t won a single set against Thiem, and now, he has registered one of the biggest victories of his career. This was also Thiem’s first, first round exit at the Roland Garros.
The first set was full of disguised drop shots from both ends. Thiem broke Andujar upfront to take an early lead. The Spaniard was pushing the No.4 seed to his absolute limits and holding serve despite facing multiple break points. But that early break of serve was all Thiem needed as he consolidated that break and went on to win the first set 6-4.
The second set was full of drama, with both players expressing their disappointment regularly after hitting an unforced error. Thiem broke Andujar early and was serving for the set at 5-4. But a very poor service game from Thiem opened doors wide open for Andujar as he got the break back to draw level at 5-5. But the Austrian was quick to react and broke Andujar once again and served the set out 7-5.
Pablo Andujar completes an epic comeback
The third set started slowly with both players holding serve. The level on tennis somehow dipped as both players were making unnecessary unforced errors. But against the run of play, Andujar somehow found sudden energy and hit a couple of winners to break Thiem’s serve. He held his serve and closed out the set 6-3. But Thiem still lead 2 sets to 1.
The fourth set seemed like a replica of third. Slow and long games were on the menu and suddenly Andujar comes out of nowhere to break Thiem. Late drama into the set saw an angry Thiem yelling to himself but all in vain, as Andujar served out the set 6-4 to take it to the decider.
The fifth set was probably the most exciting one, fully of drama courtesy an agitated Thiem. He hit a lot of backhand unforced errors and screamed at himself after everyone of those. Andujar broke in the very first game but Thiem broke back the very next game to draw level 1-1. The Spaniard was again right on money as he broke the fourth seed to take a 3-2 lead. He then consolidated that break and held nerve to close out match. He won the last set 6-4.
This was Andujar’s first victory over a Top 5 player. He would want to continue his dream run at the Clay season on in the second round too where he will face either of Radu Albot or Federico Delbonis.
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