Dominic Thiem will be trying to win his first ATP title at home in Austria when he goes up against Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the Generali Open final on Saturday.
Thiem is a 13-time champion on the main tour, but he came up one win short at this same Kitzbuhel event in 2014. The fourth-ranked Austrian is back in the championship match following victories over Sebastian Ofner, Pablo Andujar, and Lorenzo Sonego–all in straight sets.
“It is amazing [to be in the final],” Thiem assured. “[It is my] second time after five years ago, which is amazing. All three matches had a great atmosphere with a sold-out centre court. It is a big childhood dream of mine to win this tournament. I will try everything to get it done tomorrow.”
The No. 1 seed may need to bring his clay-court best to the table on Sunday because Ramos-Vinolas is suddenly red hot. Prior to last week, the 31-year-old Spaniard was an even 17-17 in 2019 and toiling away at 85th in the rankings. He captured the Gstaad title and has not looked back in Kitzbuhel, beating Marton Fucsovics, Jaume Munar, Jeremy Chardy, and Casper Ruud. Ramos-Vinolas has reeled off eight consecutive sets since dropping his opener to Fucsovics.
Despite his efficiency, fatigue has to be a factor for the underdog given two long weeks in succession. Moreover, facing Thiem on clay and in Austria is an extremely tough proposition even at 100 percent.
Pick: Thiem in 2
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who ya got?
Thiem! But ARV has actually been playing well for the first time since about 2017 as far as I can remember.
ARV is on fire. My pick is Thiem in 3 but not at all sure about it.
Ramos-Vinolas in 3
More important,I hope Thiem plays well in Montreal
ARV may be en fuego, but Thiem in straight!
Thiem in two, but right now that first set is close as heck. Suspended by rain though 🙁
Thiem wins it in the end, congrats to him. Well done!
Happy scenes at the end.
A stunning location the last two weeks,Swiss Alps and now the Austrian.