0:01:02 > 0:01:05All in form of their lives.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13Hello, Rafa will take to the courts here but coming up we have two
0:01:13 > 0:01:17outstanding shot makers with contrasting styles to entertain us
0:01:17 > 0:01:21as Grigor Dimitrov takes on Dominic Thiem.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25Delighted to say Andrew Castle and Tim Henman are with us again so Rafa
0:01:25 > 0:01:29takes to the court but comes in here with the injury pulled out of Paris
0:01:29 > 0:01:33it is not ideal preparation for him is itIt is not. If you said to
0:01:33 > 0:01:38every player you can only go on the court if you are 100% healthy we
0:01:38 > 0:01:42wouldn't have an event. There will be niggles at the end of the year,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45so fingers cross it is a niggle rather than injury, given his style
0:01:45 > 0:01:49of play, the way he move, how much sort of strain it puts through his
0:01:49 > 0:01:54knee, if it is injury it makes it very difficult. I am optimistic, he
0:01:54 > 0:01:58has never won this event and hopefully he can put on a great
0:01:58 > 0:02:02show, not just tonight the whole tournament.We talked about Roger,
0:02:02 > 0:02:06what about Rafa? In particularly at the French, winning it ten times,
0:02:06 > 0:02:13will we see that again?ThereThere is few numbers they have produced
0:02:13 > 0:02:19and Novak, one of them is the ten French Open, coming in, the Open era
0:02:19 > 0:02:27from 1968 nobody had won a single event ten times. Rafa did ten
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Barcelona, ten Monte Carlo and a tenth French Open. It is
0:02:29 > 0:02:36extraordinary. I asked him about his knee and he said if, he gave a cute
0:02:36 > 0:02:39sheepish look and said I'm here. Is your knee going to be OK? Hopefully
0:02:39 > 0:02:44he will be but he was talking about this event being on play, he --
0:02:44 > 0:02:49clay, he feels hard don by it is not on clay, if they were we would have
0:02:49 > 0:02:53won every one, that is why he is moaning about it. He has a point.He
0:02:53 > 0:02:59has. We may discuss that later Roger had his say, he was on court and we
0:02:59 > 0:03:04saw him go through, last night it was the player that is leading the
0:03:04 > 0:03:07next generation in action and Alexander Zverev, very impressive
0:03:07 > 0:03:14last night. Andrew, I know you saw, 3-1 he was to Cilic, and showing
0:03:14 > 0:03:18heart and fight.20 years old. Six-and-a-half foot tall. Very
0:03:18 > 0:03:24composed. Knows how to handle a big crowd and opponent in Marin Cilic.
0:03:24 > 0:03:283-1 down, got bad tempered, wasn't afraid to go toe to to with his
0:03:28 > 0:03:31opponent down the other end and to demonstrate that he is a character
0:03:31 > 0:03:37that is comfortable out there, had a word with umpire to apologise for
0:03:37 > 0:03:41any aggravation, he looks to me the real deal. His backhand is out of
0:03:41 > 0:03:46this world. Big serve, big crowd. He certainly
0:03:46 > 0:03:50has a big future, that was vast night so Roger and Zverev unbeaten
0:03:50 > 0:03:56in the Boris Becker group. Today it's the Sampras group. We have
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Dimitrov against Thiem and Rafael Nadal taking on David Goffin. These
0:04:00 > 0:04:05are three great shot makers Rafa has.Yes, very much so, and, you
0:04:05 > 0:04:09know, you look at the year Rafa has had, he is clear favourite or
0:04:09 > 0:04:13certainly the best player in that group. This opening match we have
0:04:13 > 0:04:17got today, with Thiem and Dimitrov, it's a great opportunity. This is
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Dimitrov's debut at the end of year Championships, and he has had a
0:04:21 > 0:04:25fantastic year, a lot of success on hard courts. Watching Roger play
0:04:25 > 0:04:30yesterday, felt the court was a bit quicker, I think that could favour
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Dimitrov, but Thiem is so dangerous from the back of the court. Probably
0:04:34 > 0:04:37the biggest combination of ground stroke, forehand and backhand, so he
0:04:37 > 0:04:41will look to dictate the play as well.And the battle of the
0:04:41 > 0:04:46single-handed backhands, that is a rarity, isn't it?If you are going
0:04:46 > 0:04:51to teach a bark hand it wouldn't be single backhand. A very important
0:04:51 > 0:04:57shot, Dimitrov's backhand slice. I have never seen a kid hit it as
0:04:57 > 0:05:01hard. I think Gregor, the way he uses the slice, it is important,
0:05:01 > 0:05:06this was the match I was looking forward to most of all, in this
0:05:06 > 0:05:09group, because if Rafa is fit, I have to think he will be the guy to
0:05:09 > 0:05:13go through, and I think this is the play off for the second position.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17They haven't even hit a ball in the group and we are working out the
0:05:17 > 0:05:21scenarios, it could be a great match, Gregor will like the pace of
0:05:21 > 0:05:26this court. It looked quick yesterday.When you look at the
0:05:26 > 0:05:33youngsters, Zverev, that is the way the game will evolve, big hitters?
0:05:33 > 0:05:38We see less variety, less as of the players come ocean to the net.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Dimitrov for me, has a lot of tools to his trade. A lot of strings to
0:05:42 > 0:05:46his bow, it is whether he can use them at the right time. To change
0:05:46 > 0:05:51the pace against Thiem to keep the ball low out of his hitting zone and
0:05:51 > 0:05:54maybe finish the point and maybe serve and volley a bit, just to
0:05:54 > 0:05:58break up the rhythm, it is going to be a challenge for him today, but I
0:05:58 > 0:06:01do think he has a good chance.Thiem seems to be more suited to clay
0:06:01 > 0:06:07though, isn't he.Thiem on a clay court is unbelievable. Gregor lost
0:06:07 > 0:06:12to him the one time they played on the clay. On this surface I think
0:06:12 > 0:06:17you have to favour Gregor coming in, this is a new mature man, it is not
0:06:17 > 0:06:22the guy back in 2012 and 2013 that had his mind on everything but the
0:06:22 > 0:06:28tennis, he is settled this year and we are seeing the best of him now.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33Dimitrov will get into a Grand Slam final and really push on. He will
0:06:33 > 0:06:38love this atmosphere, because he just loves the big show.Absolutely.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Don't we love seeing these behind the scenes shots as the players make
0:06:41 > 0:06:46their way, he is making history, the first Bulgarian to get through to
0:06:46 > 0:06:54the final. He says he is super happy and super pleased to be here. He
0:06:54 > 0:06:58missed out getting into the finals by one spot a few years ago, he is
0:06:58 > 0:07:08so looking forward. Such a popular player, he will get a huge ovation.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11From Bulgaria whereia Grigor Dimitrov.
0:07:39 > 0:07:45Ladies and gentlemen, playing at the ATP finals for the second year in a
0:07:45 > 0:07:59row, winner of eight ATP world titles, from Austria Dominic Thiem.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Players on court. Dimitrov in the build up there, Dominic Thiem did
0:08:31 > 0:08:35the impossible this year, didn't he, he beat Rafael Nadal on clay.He
0:08:35 > 0:08:42did.Final of Madrid I think it was, and yes, it is incredible,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45incredible effort. Clay is his best surface, when you are that powerful
0:08:45 > 0:08:49and that explosive from the back of the court, really can work on any
0:08:49 > 0:08:53type of surface, he has the experience of having played here
0:08:53 > 0:08:59last year, he won one lost two matches in his group stage, for me
0:08:59 > 0:09:02with Dimitrov taking his debut, the first five or six games can be
0:09:02 > 0:09:07important for him to settle down. He needs doe a good job of focussing on
0:09:07 > 0:09:12serve, making sure he hits his spot so he can keep the rallies
0:09:12 > 0:09:15shorterment Thiem will look to try and bully him from the back of the
0:09:15 > 0:09:19court.As far as Dimitrov goes he loves the big stage, he said he
0:09:19 > 0:09:26wants to come out here, he loves this atmosphere.Grigor has
0:09:26 > 0:09:31something to say about every situation, he has got a shot for
0:09:31 > 0:09:35every occasion, sometimes it is consistency has let him down, now he
0:09:35 > 0:09:40is 26 he has had a bit of wild living, he has had a bit of that
0:09:40 > 0:09:43early 20s feeling where you think you are the going to be alive
0:09:43 > 0:09:47forever, now he has settled. His tenth year on tour. Looking forward
0:09:47 > 0:09:52to this one.Welcome to the ATP finals. We will do a quick picture
0:09:52 > 0:10:00facing that way after the toss, so this is heads, which would you like.
0:10:00 > 0:10:13Heads, go ahead. Heads it is.Serve.Good match.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17So a picture will be taken and then we will be off with this one, but
0:10:17 > 0:10:20for most of these players the last few months having matched their
0:10:20 > 0:10:26strong start for the year, but both Thiem and Dimitrov come in with
0:10:26 > 0:10:29their highest career ranking, aiming for the biggest prize in their
0:10:29 > 0:10:30careers so far.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39Reward for that year, for my team, so many times I was close, but never
0:10:39 > 0:10:43able to, yes, to convert to be out here, but this time I was safe
0:10:43 > 0:10:48through it, and I am looking forward to it.I didn't expect to be back
0:10:48 > 0:10:53for a second time in a row, that is why I look forward a lot and
0:10:53 > 0:10:57hopefully enjoy the bit more than last year and not be that nervous.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01Dominic is, he has been playing well throughout the whole year, pretty
0:11:01 > 0:11:05much on all the surface, he is the type of player that doesn't shy away
0:11:05 > 0:11:10when he gets out on the court and really goes for his shots. Super
0:11:10 > 0:11:13dangerous, it doesn't matter where in the court he is going to be, he
0:11:13 > 0:11:16can always find a which to pull the trigger and have a heavy ball
0:11:16 > 0:11:21behind.Big show man, it is great fun to play against him. He is
0:11:21 > 0:11:26coming up every match with great shots and I think it is great start
0:11:26 > 0:11:29to the Monday when we play each other.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34So lit between the two. You look at their head-to-head this year, they
0:11:34 > 0:11:39played twice and Dimitrov won the first one, then had match point,
0:11:39 > 0:11:43think five match points but Thiem came back and won on clay.It will
0:11:43 > 0:11:48be interestingches I was giving Thiem a Masters 1000 title. He beat
0:11:48 > 0:11:53Rafa in the semifinal not the final. But no, I think that was an
0:11:53 > 0:11:56impressive performance from Dimitrov on clay, you would have felt that he
0:11:56 > 0:12:01is where Thiem is the favourite. He is a bit quicker, I think it
0:12:01 > 0:12:05emphasises the point we talked about this year, how evenly matched they
0:12:05 > 0:12:11are, so today, on this type of surface indoors, you know, could the
0:12:11 > 0:12:15balance swing Dimitrov's way? I think so. It is going to as is the
0:12:15 > 0:12:20case boil down to who can create the opportunity, we saw in Federer's
0:12:20 > 0:12:23match, he had five break points second set. Couldn't take anything,
0:12:23 > 0:12:31who can dominate the big points?He has lost some matches Thiem when he
0:12:31 > 0:12:36has had chance, particularly the US Open against Del Potro.It is all
0:12:36 > 0:12:41very well coming out at 19, 21, having the biggest ground stroke, it
0:12:41 > 0:12:45is how you manage the game, how you put the team together, how yolk look
0:12:45 > 0:12:48after your training, getting all those matches in the tank where you
0:12:48 > 0:12:53lose some and win some and learn, he is beginning to turn into that all
0:12:53 > 0:12:57court player that we were looking for, obviously clay is a big deal.
0:12:57 > 0:13:03He has a great coach on his side as has Dimitrov. He is still developing
0:13:03 > 0:13:08as a player.That is where Dimitrov has taken a bit longer to mature, he
0:13:08 > 0:13:12is 26. It feels like he has been round for a long time. This is the
0:13:12 > 0:13:16first time he has qualified. It is those pieces of the puzzle of his
0:13:16 > 0:13:21game that has taken longer to fit together, to understand what work,
0:13:21 > 0:13:27learning from the losses, and certainly winning in Cincinnati
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Masters 1,000 for his fist fighting with would have given him
0:13:29 > 0:13:35confidence.We got a shot of one of the coaches, he has been a big
0:13:35 > 0:13:39impact in Dimitrov's life. Dimitrov went to him and they had a
0:13:39 > 0:13:43heart-to-heart, a serious talk, he said, and Danny, he said you deserve
0:13:43 > 0:13:48to be toe to toe with the very best and you have to learn to be patient,
0:13:48 > 0:13:52and that really made a big difference in his game.Also the
0:13:52 > 0:13:56structure to his life. The way he practises on the practice court, the
0:13:56 > 0:14:00way he trained in the gym, really to get everything working, because when
0:14:00 > 0:14:06you break it down, shot for shot, his athletic abilities, he is a
0:14:06 > 0:14:08phenomenal move mover, he can volley, he wasn't really getting the
0:14:08 > 0:14:12returns for the games he had. That is where Danny had a great impact
0:14:12 > 0:14:16and the results have shown this year on the court.You have to click with
0:14:16 > 0:14:21your coach you look the rank, he has gone from 40 to number six.When you
0:14:21 > 0:14:27hit 40 we were going that is ridiculous, he is clearly a top 15,
0:14:27 > 0:14:33top 20 player, even if he just shows up, now I see him as a legitimate
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Grand Slam possibility every single time and a potential winner here. He
0:14:36 > 0:14:40played one of the matcheses of the year to begin this year. He was
0:14:40 > 0:14:4516-1. He won Brisbane. Australian Open against Rafa, it was
0:14:45 > 0:14:49unbelievable. So you know, he has arrived with Danny, to win this
0:14:49 > 0:14:55event and to continue doing the work and also Roger Rashid who worked
0:14:55 > 0:14:59with him before, he had input. Everyone is a work in progress, you
0:14:59 > 0:15:04can't just turn up an win a slam at 18. Both guys potential world number
0:15:04 > 0:15:09one, who is next when the big boys move off? Here we are. At least two
0:15:09 > 0:15:17of them any way.So many exciting players, maybe that is what Grigor
0:15:17 > 0:15:24's generation are saying.Because of his style of game and the way he
0:15:24 > 0:15:27play, there has been unfair comparison with Federer, and think
0:15:27 > 0:15:34it probably was a weight on his shoulders, with the other young
0:15:34 > 0:15:39players coming up, that motivated him to say I need to be part of that
0:15:39 > 0:15:42koonerisation and rightly so. They have had a great year, I am sure he
0:15:42 > 0:15:47is capable of backing it up next year irrespective of what happens.
0:15:47 > 0:15:54You need a tactician, I don't think people give Danny enough credit
0:15:54 > 0:15:58working with Danny -- Andy Murray. He was part of that journey for a
0:15:58 > 0:16:02long time. Huge learning curve for Danny off the court, it was a
0:16:02 > 0:16:05learning curve for Andy on the court, Danny has been able to work
0:16:05 > 0:16:09with a couple of other players in a short period of time. But this
0:16:09 > 0:16:12relationship with Grigor has certainly cemented well, and I am
0:16:12 > 0:16:16sure will go on for many more years. He is a great athlete, he will need
0:16:16 > 0:16:20to be today, because he will be hit by a barrage from the other side, in
0:16:20 > 0:16:25every department, isn't he.Yes, absolutely right. I think the
0:16:25 > 0:16:29combination of power forehand and backhand, there is no-one hits the
0:16:29 > 0:16:33ball harder than Thiem. Dimitrov will need his defensive skill, keep
0:16:33 > 0:16:36the ball back in play when he can, he has to look to dictate with his
0:16:36 > 0:16:41weapons as well.We would love to hear from you as well if you want to
0:16:41 > 0:16:44get in touch with us on social media. We will talk about how
0:16:44 > 0:16:48excites you in the world of tennis, maybe away from the top ones we have
0:16:48 > 0:16:54seen in recent years but two of the very best are on court at the
0:16:54 > 0:16:57moment, very contrasting styles but it promises to be entertaining. We
0:16:57 > 0:17:02would love to hear from you, now it is time for me to hand over to Andy.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06Thank you very much. This with a match particularly I was looking
0:17:06 > 0:17:11forward to from this group. I hope people at home feel the same way. So
0:17:11 > 0:17:18Monday afternoon and off we go with the Sampras group. Headed by Nadal,
0:17:18 > 0:17:19Nadal Goffin later
0:17:24 > 0:17:28you can sense the excitement here. Two great player. Dimitrov serving
0:17:28 > 0:17:38to Thiem.
0:18:29 > 0:18:39That is the classic one two punch. To dictate play.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38UMPIRE:Ball is called out.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47Second serve, spinning, you can see why the line judge would call that
0:19:47 > 0:19:51out. It had such a lot of work in, it was going through the air slowly
0:19:51 > 0:20:01and curling in with the spin.Sort of out for 99% of its journey.
0:20:01 > 0:20:07Feels like that flying into Heathrow sometimes!
0:20:12 > 0:20:17Final 1% is important in both plays. Very important. Small target, seems
0:20:17 > 0:20:27like.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38Double fault in the end.How many faults were there? Must have
0:20:38 > 0:20:44served...Can serve six serves.And not get the point going.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48Get one of them in and still serve a double fault.
0:20:48 > 0:20:58I think that is right.
0:21:07 > 0:21:13That is his favourite shot, that is the one he would name as the shot
0:21:13 > 0:21:17that gives him the most joy, backhand down the line. Magnificent
0:21:17 > 0:21:21ball striking from both these player, just been looking forward to
0:21:21 > 0:21:27it, because they play with a lovely grace. If there was one thing that I
0:21:27 > 0:21:31would say about Dominic Thiem I am surprised he doesn't block the ball
0:21:31 > 0:21:36back in to play particularly off first serve like Federer. We are
0:21:36 > 0:21:41looking back to Dimitrov at Cincinnati. He won that Masters 1000
0:21:41 > 0:21:45series without dropping a set. The lovely variation with the serve, if
0:21:45 > 0:21:58he is putting it on a six pence, he is pretty tough to break.
0:22:20 > 0:22:34Been with a success of players, must have been 25, 30 years out there.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54That is evidence of some physical work being done there, not so easy
0:23:54 > 0:23:59to knock Grigor Dimitrov off playing surface these days, he controls the
0:23:59 > 0:24:05space around his baseline well. Playing the ball rather than
0:24:05 > 0:24:15allowing ball to blame. -- play him.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21That is the danger of this slice, if it is too short.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Another three or four foot and he probably wouldn't have been able do
0:24:25 > 0:24:35ta with the forehand. Not so easily.
0:25:04 > 0:25:12Is that a Beckham?
0:25:50 > 0:25:55I hope it wasn't, he should be in school.I hope so, it is not the
0:25:55 > 0:26:05half-term, is it?
0:26:36 > 0:26:42Thiem looking to be aggressive on first and second, but 0 for seven
0:26:42 > 0:26:47first serves in this game. It gives Dimitrov a great early
0:26:47 > 0:26:58point opportunity. There we go.
0:28:26 > 0:28:36Christina Mladenovic.
0:28:42 > 0:28:49Got some first serves going in the end.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53Only made three of 12 first serves but when it went in, three cheap
0:28:53 > 0:29:03points won them all.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12Up the other end of the court, just under 90% first serves from
0:30:12 > 0:30:21Dimitrov.
0:31:02 > 0:31:09A good match this. Had to work hard did Dominic Thiem the world number
0:31:09 > 0:31:14four whose younger brother we just saw there. Great to see him for a
0:31:14 > 0:31:22second time here in London.
0:31:37 > 0:31:47There he is the world number four. Nadal was saluted on court yesterday
0:31:47 > 0:31:51as the year end world number one. Roger Federer could have made
0:31:51 > 0:31:55himself a part of that particular contest by playing well in Paris and
0:31:55 > 0:32:01playing well here, but his body wa not allow him to compete in Paris.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Roger had to pull out just to rest himself and get ready for this and
0:32:05 > 0:32:09that's the nature of being 36 years of age, but Dominic Thiem has got
0:32:09 > 0:32:16many, many years ahead of him. The girlfriend is watching on. Quite a
0:32:16 > 0:32:24star couple. Former world junior champion, Christina. But consistency
0:32:24 > 0:32:28from Dominic Thiem and maturity in his game as he continues to add
0:32:28 > 0:32:32elements that are going to elevate him to the very, very top, top one
0:32:32 > 0:32:40or two.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28And this is the court movement you were talking about, Tim.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32It is just phenomenal foot speed and talking about not giving up until
0:33:32 > 0:33:44the ball has bounced twice. Great lesson for young players watching.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58Nicely done. Excellent footwork. That was slicing a great deal. He
0:33:58 > 0:34:05wasn't exactly sure what was going to go on with that squash up from
0:34:05 > 0:34:10Dimitrov. Bashing his forehand into the corner. This one, you just see
0:34:10 > 0:34:16that lovely footwork from Thiem. He doesn't want to go 0-30 down. It is
0:34:16 > 0:34:23warming up nicely this match.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39He's not the tallest guy out there. Certainly seeing the two big men
0:34:39 > 0:34:52play last night. He still can get after that first serve.
0:35:19 > 0:35:29It's the second one of those we have seen and clearly a game plan that
0:35:29 > 0:35:37Dimitrov has taken out after speaking to his coach.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48Really impressive serving, it is not as if Dimitrov is just rolling the
0:37:48 > 0:37:53first serve in, he is hitting his spots and hitting it at pace. 86%
0:37:53 > 0:38:04finding their mark.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Something has aflited him over the years is just a slight variation
0:38:18 > 0:38:22when he doesn't want it in where the ball toss goes. He has slowed the
0:38:22 > 0:38:27motion down over the last couple of years and the ball toss, very
0:38:27 > 0:38:30deliberate now and quite precise. Sometimes he rushed and sometimes
0:38:30 > 0:38:36the knee bend used to be a little bit heavier and deeper than was
0:38:36 > 0:38:42helpful at times.
0:39:00 > 0:39:05It was right to be called out last time he a backhand down that line.
0:39:05 > 0:39:15This one here, it is tough for a line judge. And he has got it right
0:39:15 > 0:39:24again! This guy is a legend on the line.
0:39:24 > 0:39:32Don't ever question him again.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56So he has wrapped that one around the frame. Dimitrov keeps his nose
0:39:56 > 0:40:04in front 3-2 and we're already joining group Pete sam pass. Nadal
0:40:04 > 0:40:12leads. He is world number one and he is right up at the top. He plays
0:40:12 > 0:40:19Goffin later on. Each one of those as Sue Barker was saying, each one
0:40:19 > 0:40:30is playing at a career high at the moment. Zverev having been 3-1 in
0:40:30 > 0:40:36the decider and Jack Sock lost 4 and 6 in the opening match. We on the
0:40:36 > 0:40:40BBC have got eight full days of this. The final is next Sunday
0:40:40 > 0:40:45afternoon. It's the top eight in the world only. It is the season ending
0:40:45 > 0:40:55finale. Two groups of four. And then a final on Sunday as I say. You made
0:40:55 > 0:41:00this event how many times? Two-and-a-half times. I played as a
0:41:00 > 0:41:10reserve once.You got in and played? Yes. And twice in Hannover. Once in
0:41:10 > 0:41:18Houston.Was that 2003 and 2004? 2004 was Houston. The other ones
0:41:18 > 0:41:23were, I finished eighth once for Sydney and I had to pull out with
0:41:23 > 0:41:28shoulder surgery which was not great timing, but fantastic event to be a
0:41:28 > 0:41:37part of.Agassi won in Houston in 2003 and Hewitt in 2004 in Houston.
0:41:37 > 0:41:48Who did you play? You can't remember, can you?I played, I beat
0:41:48 > 0:41:55Macquarie and lost to Safin and there is another match that I will
0:41:55 > 0:42:04remember eventually.Answers on a postcard!
0:42:04 > 0:42:13Andy Roddick, I think.Somebody will tell us!
0:42:24 > 0:42:29It is a little ambitious. Dimitrov doesn't want to give the court. A
0:42:29 > 0:42:35heavy deep ball to be whipping ground strokes off. He kind of up
0:42:35 > 0:42:40had the upper hand in the rally and you felt he could have taken a risk
0:42:40 > 0:42:50and moved forward.
0:43:03 > 0:43:10Wow. Dimitrov is in full flow. Quite a
0:43:10 > 0:43:17sight.
0:43:19 > 0:43:29Beautiful.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48There is a bit of something on that slice, wasn't there? Really dug down
0:43:48 > 0:43:53on the return of serve.It was a good return because it was a big
0:43:53 > 0:43:57second serve. Dimitrov really did well to get his racket behind the
0:43:57 > 0:44:06ball and get some penetration on the chip.
0:44:23 > 0:44:30The second serve misses as well. He is having a torrid time serving just
0:44:30 > 0:44:41about 27%, six of 22.
0:44:50 > 0:44:59When it does go in, seven of seven.
0:45:11 > 0:45:17And there is the slice again on the return.But it is not just a slice,
0:45:17 > 0:45:21there is some work and some energy on the ball. He fizzed it back. It
0:45:21 > 0:45:28is a useful shot for him. I just think Dominic Thiem should be
0:45:28 > 0:45:34adding that to his game. It is something we have seen Federer
0:45:34 > 0:45:40dismantling big servers with for years.It is like a volley
0:45:40 > 0:45:53technique. Get the ball back in play, but with interest.
0:46:34 > 0:46:39The coach of Rafael Nadal doing a bit of scouting. Nadal is playing
0:46:39 > 0:46:51tonight. World number ones scattered all over The O2.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17That's mummy Thiem.
0:48:17 > 0:48:23Well, how was that? I mean there are drive volleys which are more
0:48:23 > 0:48:27conventional than that one. Really no more than a flick on the backhand
0:48:27 > 0:48:32side. Thiem miles behind the baseline and that was a sweet touch.
0:48:32 > 0:48:39I think given, this is a great shot, we talk about many drive forehands,
0:48:39 > 0:48:44but drive hack band a tough shot. With Thiem's court position you
0:48:44 > 0:48:48would think that Dimitrov would like to get forward even more.Useful
0:48:48 > 0:49:01serve. Thiem challenging.Walking to the other side. He doesn't seem too
0:49:01 > 0:49:07confident.
0:49:26 > 0:49:37It's away. Thiem too far behind the baseline once again and Dimitrov
0:49:37 > 0:49:45playing game seven. He will be delighted to have backed up a break
0:49:45 > 0:49:53of serve. A couple of first serves at the right time. His serve
0:49:53 > 0:49:56percentage has dropped off a little bit, Dimitrov, but found the mark on
0:49:56 > 0:50:03those big points. Showing great intensity and a high level of play
0:50:03 > 0:50:10and this is his debut at the year end championships. Clearly both
0:50:10 > 0:50:20players have done the work, but for Dimitrov, ten years on tour and
0:50:20 > 0:50:24finally here and this discipline and maturity that he has brought from
0:50:24 > 0:50:30the practise court really since Dani Vallverdu was brought on board and
0:50:30 > 0:50:36is really paying off. 26 years of age. Started the year ranked at 17
0:50:36 > 0:50:40and now number six. He got as high as number eight in the world in
0:50:40 > 0:50:442014, that was the year you might remember he beat Andy Murray, the
0:50:44 > 0:50:48defending champion at Wimbledon. And then lost the semifinal at
0:50:48 > 0:50:52Wimbledon without producing his best tennis on a very windy day against
0:50:52 > 0:51:03Novak Djokovic so that's the calibre of the play that he's capable of.
0:51:03 > 0:51:09Big crowds in for every session here. The singles match and a
0:51:09 > 0:51:20doubles match in each session. The Bryans beat Suarez and Jamie Murray
0:51:20 > 0:51:25earlier.
0:53:28 > 0:53:3630% first serve percentage, 32%. Definitely not good. With the first
0:53:36 > 0:53:47serve first serves he missed.
0:54:08 > 0:54:15It is quick. 130mph. And it enables Thiem to ask the question in this
0:54:15 > 0:54:25game. And if your ball toss is going to go squiffy and if you are going
0:54:25 > 0:54:29to get uptight on the serve, now would be the time. You don't like to
0:54:29 > 0:54:34tempt fate with these things, but it's an area that Grigor Dimitrov
0:54:34 > 0:54:40hasn't always been the strongest at, closing out.
0:54:40 > 0:54:51There you go. Decent start.
0:54:55 > 0:55:05A bit of adrenalin in the first 122mph.
0:55:26 > 0:55:33Very tidy.
0:56:00 > 0:56:07Miles out. Soaring over the back hoarding and Grigor Dimitrov holds
0:56:07 > 0:56:12to love much to the delight of his many Bulgarian fans here in London.
0:56:12 > 0:56:18He has got a cheer squad and he will react as well as any player to a
0:56:18 > 0:56:21cheering squad because he's putting on a fine show and there is nothing
0:56:21 > 0:56:25he likes more than playing in front of a lot of people. Let's see if you
0:56:25 > 0:56:28can make something of these numbers, Tim. These graphics I find quite
0:56:28 > 0:56:32difficult to read, but you can have, right, winners, OK more more
0:56:32 > 0:56:37Dimitrov than for Thiem. That isn't a surprise. Unforced errors, they
0:56:37 > 0:56:41both made more.Points one on serve, they are talking about first and
0:56:41 > 0:56:46second serve there, but when you break that down, dehit 67% of first
0:56:46 > 0:56:56serves which is a good number. And he won 89% of those points. 16 out
0:56:56 > 0:57:00of 18 first serve points won for Dimitrov. That's a great platform
0:57:00 > 0:57:04playing on a relatively quick indoor court. Dimitrov getting so many
0:57:04 > 0:57:08looks at Thiem's second serve. Getting into the baseline rallies.
0:57:08 > 0:57:14Dimitrov winning his fair share. First serves in 37%, we have been
0:57:14 > 0:57:17highlighting that throughout the course of that set. First set points
0:57:17 > 0:57:23at 91%. Even when they go in...He only made 11 first serves in that
0:57:23 > 0:57:33set.Neither player doing particularly well, not above 50%. It
0:57:33 > 0:57:38is like a game you put ten pence in the 70s and 80s trying to work out
0:57:38 > 0:57:42what the graphics are saying. Dimitrov is doing a good job on
0:57:42 > 0:57:45serve, but giving up few opportunities. Thiem not getting a
0:57:45 > 0:57:49break point and as you say, with that ball toss, I think sometimes it
0:57:49 > 0:57:54can just go a little bit left. It goes over his left shoulder, but in
0:57:54 > 0:58:00that last game, an impressive effort to finish the set off.
0:58:00 > 0:58:07Obviously along with a few footballers in Bulgaria, he is just
0:58:07 > 0:58:11a massive global star, Dimitrov. And it takes time to settle into that
0:58:11 > 0:58:20and find your way in the world. Dimitrov has certainly settled into
0:58:20 > 0:58:28stardom now. The first set in this group has gone to Dimitrov and Thiem
0:58:28 > 0:58:36serving a set down.
1:01:09 > 1:01:16It is interesting to look at the backgrounds of these players.
1:01:16 > 1:01:26Dominic Thiem, his mum is here. Dimitrov's bad was a professional
1:01:26 > 1:01:30coach. You have to come from an athletic background at the very top
1:01:30 > 1:01:36level. -- dad. It certainly helps.
1:01:36 > 1:01:40I don't like it when players get written off when they are too young
1:01:40 > 1:01:44if their parents were not involved. It is probably a bit too much of a
1:01:44 > 1:01:54slave to that.
1:02:12 > 1:02:18Absolutely nailing the volleys, Dimitrov when he comes in.
1:02:18 > 1:02:29You cannot give Dominic Thiem time. When he has a chance, anything at
1:02:29 > 1:02:42the height of the net or just above, he's getting his racket through.
1:03:02 > 1:03:07You wonder from Thiem's point of view, had no impact on Dimitrov's
1:03:07 > 1:03:11serve, when does he start to do something different, is there a Plan
1:03:11 > 1:03:16B or is he saying I have to do Plan A better?
1:03:16 > 1:03:24I wonder whether he does have another option.
1:03:28 > 1:03:32For me he might be better off standing a long way back on the
1:03:32 > 1:03:35first serve and moving in on the sefrked and he does the opposite,
1:03:35 > 1:03:40stands closer for the first serve and goes a lot further back.
1:03:53 > 1:03:56That one Kuznetsov completely different because he is 40-0 down,
1:03:56 > 1:04:04why not? Why would a player like Thiem go out there, and move back on
1:04:04 > 1:04:07a second serve, and start wailing from the back of the court. That is
1:04:07 > 1:04:10the Nadal approach but that is laugh.He has big swings so he likes
1:04:10 > 1:04:13to have a bit more time, but the second serve is the one opportunity
1:04:13 > 1:04:27he has to attack. Staying in on this one Thiem.
1:04:38 > 1:04:42All this advice you give out for free, you could be a consultant. You
1:04:42 > 1:04:48wouldn't have to spend those week tonnes road! Expensive one!
1:04:48 > 1:05:01He will keep an eye on you, Gunter Bresnik, he has a good job.
1:07:05 > 1:07:08Talk about players by proactive or reactive, in the first set, Thiem
1:07:08 > 1:07:13was very reactive, he was letting Dimitrov dictate. Now being a bit
1:07:13 > 1:07:20more aggressive.
1:07:59 > 1:08:05First set persang getting better. He is 2-1. This is the season ending
1:08:05 > 1:08:10finale, just eight men in this event, but looking back, at the nine
1:08:10 > 1:08:16Masters 1000 series events that offer the most point, computer
1:08:16 > 1:08:22points outside of the Grand Slams, let us like there. Indian Wells on
1:08:22 > 1:08:27the hard court, after Australia and a couple of European indoor events.
1:08:27 > 1:08:32Roger Federer, a winner there to his extraordinary start to the year, he
1:08:32 > 1:08:36beat Stanislas Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal. Then it was on to the clay
1:08:36 > 1:08:44and a tenth title for Nadal over the left-hander Ramos Vince has. In
1:08:44 > 1:08:52Madrid he beat Thiem. Thiem unable to compete on the Spanish clay, not
1:08:52 > 1:09:06the first person it has to be said. Rome Zverev delivering one of those.
1:09:06 > 1:09:11Dimitrov, didn't lose a set at Cincinnati, preUS Open. He beat Nick
1:09:11 > 1:09:15Kyrgios in the final. Won that tournament. In Shanghai indoors
1:09:15 > 1:09:20Roger Federer over Nadal, a final we could see here and Jack Sock
1:09:20 > 1:09:34qualified and got into the top ten of the world winning in Paris. Sock
1:09:34 > 1:09:38won it and all the way from 24th in the world to the top eight.
1:09:38 > 1:09:53Brilliant effort. Indian Wells was the Masters 1,000
1:09:53 > 1:10:03tournament of year.
1:10:50 > 1:10:53Indoors Roger Federer over Nadal, a final we could see here and Jack
1:10:53 > 1:10:55Sock qualified and got into the top ten of the world winning in Paris.
1:10:55 > 1:10:59Sock won it and all the way from 24th in the world to the top eight.
1:10:59 > 1:11:00Brilliant effort. Indian Wells was the Masters 1000
1:11:00 > 1:11:04tournament of year.Bit nor aggressive, consistent from the back
1:11:04 > 1:11:13of the court. Significant turnout. -- bit more.
1:11:47 > 1:11:52Oh!
1:11:53 > 1:11:59As is often the case when you get behind in the count you look to be
1:11:59 > 1:12:02more aggressive, and great footwork from Dimitrov to get round his
1:12:02 > 1:12:06backhand and unleash this forehand. Look at this, skip, skip, skip.
1:12:06 > 1:12:12Businessman. -- bam.
1:12:26 > 1:12:29Dimitrov's first serve percentage that was dropping off in this set.
1:12:29 > 1:12:42But right when he needed it three first serves in a row.
1:13:54 > 1:13:59It is easy in the big moments to thrift back in to old habits and big
1:13:59 > 1:14:03point there, you felt that Thiem was moving further and further behind
1:14:03 > 1:14:20the baseline. Giving Dimitrov more time to dictate.
1:14:28 > 1:14:36UMPIRE:Game Dimitrov. Two games all.
1:14:36 > 1:14:41Thiem didn't have break point but the first time he has got stuck into
1:14:41 > 1:14:48Dimitrov's service game.
1:16:10 > 1:16:21There is that slice again.
1:16:49 > 1:16:59Wearing red today but Biggs Chelsea fan. -- but big Chelsea fan. He
1:16:59 > 1:17:05normally plays in Halle before the Championships. Went to the England
1:17:05 > 1:17:08game, 0-0 against Germany.
1:17:16 > 1:17:19UMPIRE:Game Thiem. Thiem leads 3-2.
1:17:27 > 1:17:32So pretty much getting on with this match, just the one hour up on the
1:17:32 > 1:17:36clock, 6-3 first set to Dimitrov. Further evidence that this court is
1:17:36 > 1:17:42quite quick, that will suit Federer, in the other group. Tonight David
1:17:42 > 1:17:50Goffin the Belgian star, is playing against Rafael Nadal.
1:17:50 > 1:17:54Tomorrow we will revert back to the other group, which is the Boris
1:17:54 > 1:17:59Becker group. Jack Sock will be pretty much in a
1:17:59 > 1:18:03must win situation, but it's the top two from each group that go through
1:18:03 > 1:18:09to the semifinals, so the winner of one group plays the oner up from the
1:18:09 > 1:18:23other, in the semifinals. Been here since 2009. In London at the O2 and
1:18:23 > 1:18:26pretty much every session sold out. You have play on that court, haven't
1:18:26 > 1:18:31you, you played here? But not in the, not the the tournament as such.
1:18:31 > 1:18:35You were drafted in to play an exhibition.Yes, when Federer pulled
1:18:35 > 1:18:42out in the final against Djokovic, and had the pleasure of partnering
1:18:42 > 1:18:50Pat Cash, and we took on Andy Murray and John McEnroe.And Mac was
1:18:50 > 1:18:58competitive. What is new?We came second.You are being nice.Better
1:18:58 > 1:19:03than third. Feels like a big arena when you are
1:19:03 > 1:19:07playing on that surface, doesn't it? Big arena and a lot of space round
1:19:07 > 1:19:17the court.
1:19:31 > 1:19:35How does change things if you walk on to a court and there is lots of
1:19:35 > 1:19:40space round the playing arena?I felt it made the conditions seem a
1:19:40 > 1:19:45bit slower. When you look at the distance between the advertising
1:19:45 > 1:19:50hoardings and the baseline, that is is a long, long way. For me trying
1:19:50 > 1:19:54to come to the net, didn't necessarily like that, when you play
1:19:54 > 1:19:59on a small compact court it always felt a bit quicker.
1:19:59 > 1:20:01Funny isn't it perception.
1:20:22 > 1:20:32Dangerous moments once again on the Dimitrov serve.
1:20:32 > 1:20:38Love 30 in the last game, Thiem, Dimitrov was able to come up we the
1:20:38 > 1:20:52three first serve, he now needs to find the mark. Again pretty rapidly.
1:21:00 > 1:21:09Oh.Gutsy shot. ANot easy a rising ball the a single backhand to get
1:21:09 > 1:21:12over it.
1:21:15 > 1:21:27There can be nothing half hearted about that.Full commitment.
1:21:29 > 1:21:34Down 2-3, love 30.
1:22:05 > 1:22:13Thiem treats again on second serve.
1:22:16 > 1:22:20That is is a bad miss, though, isn't it. You can argue whether that is
1:22:20 > 1:22:26the right tactics or not and they will have talked about it, Bresnik.
1:22:26 > 1:22:31On an indoor court it puts you in a negative position. On slower
1:22:31 > 1:22:35surfaces when you are going to take the attitude you will grind your
1:22:35 > 1:22:48opponent out, maybe, but I think he has to make it happen more here.
1:22:59 > 1:23:09Danny. Grew up with Andy Murray, tennis wise at academy in Spain.
1:23:09 > 1:23:12Worked with and alongside Andy Murray to many of his success,
1:23:12 > 1:23:23working with Dimitrov now.
1:23:44 > 1:23:48IsReally doesn't matter how hard you are hitting the ball, he has to
1:23:48 > 1:23:52be a good ten feet behind the baseline, Thiem. It gives Dimitrov
1:23:52 > 1:23:56so much time to see the ball, irspeck tiff of how fast it is
1:23:56 > 1:24:07coming. -- irrespective.
1:24:09 > 1:24:20Respective of how fast it is coming. -- irrespective.
1:25:46 > 1:25:51That was set up by a good first serve, but when he establishes
1:25:51 > 1:26:03himself on the rally, that is when he has to be Agassi.
1:26:04 > 1:26:08There is a light right behind Thiem. Dimitrov will be looking at the
1:26:08 > 1:26:19server, it is somebody's camera.
1:26:28 > 1:26:39Dimitrov getting on with it.
1:27:04 > 1:27:08Dominic Thiem has had his chances in this set. Trying to go three sets
1:27:08 > 1:27:15is. We saw one last night between Marin Cilic and Alexander Zverev, he
1:27:15 > 1:27:19is by far the youngest player here at 20, but with a backhand and
1:27:19 > 1:27:23forehand but his backhand is a thing of beauty, so that is in the other
1:27:23 > 1:27:31group. Two single-handed backhands on parade here, we are missing a lot
1:27:31 > 1:27:38of player, Stanislas Wawrinka called an early end so his season. You will
1:27:38 > 1:27:42have seen him hitting a couple of cans over, I know you are not on
1:27:42 > 1:27:47Twitter, at least he is back out on court. The big concern for British
1:27:47 > 1:27:52tennis fans is Andy Murray, and you were with him at the live event in
1:27:52 > 1:27:56Glasgow, earlier on, or last week now, how was he moving, did you
1:27:56 > 1:28:01speak to him, is there anything you can tell us we don't know?He is
1:28:01 > 1:28:05working incredibly hard as you have come to expect and doing so much
1:28:05 > 1:28:08strength work in the gym, to build up the stability, I guess in the
1:28:08 > 1:28:12hip, and it was great to see him out on the court. I still think he has a
1:28:12 > 1:28:20way to go when he played Roger in Glasgow, we all know about the hip
1:28:20 > 1:28:26injury now, so I think we are a lot more an lit #k58, critical the way
1:28:26 > 1:28:31he has walked. His has always walked with a bit of a limp, there is more
1:28:31 > 1:28:38of a limp. Once gets into the points he's was moving OK, he still has a
1:28:38 > 1:28:42good window of training, rehab, to get ready for Australia at the
1:28:42 > 1:28:47beginning of next year.What is the second baby called?Good question.
1:28:47 > 1:28:55We don't know.
1:31:13 > 1:31:18Dimitrov coming in with depth and Thiem hitting up and unable to
1:31:18 > 1:31:24control a passing shot. Now, here is a moment. Somebody is shrieking
1:31:24 > 1:31:28break time coming from the crowd. You do notice everything when you
1:31:28 > 1:31:33are a player or a performer on any stage you generally, you notice, you
1:31:33 > 1:31:38hear things.And you try and ignore it.Somebody just said, "You're
1:31:38 > 1:31:47about to lose your serve."
1:31:52 > 1:32:01130mph. Didn't miss by much.
1:33:33 > 1:33:38That's a wonderful game from Dominic Thiem. A bit of pressure at 4-4 and
1:33:38 > 1:33:45he responded with a love hold. He is such a handful on any court,
1:33:45 > 1:33:48Dominic Thiem, the world number four. He is 24 years of age, but on
1:33:48 > 1:33:53a clay court he is a monster. In Barcelona earlier this year he beat
1:33:53 > 1:33:59Andy Murray who was world number one at the time. Top seed there and lost
1:33:59 > 1:34:04to nodal and went off to Madrid and lost to Nadal there. But turn that
1:34:04 > 1:34:10around at what used to be called the Italian Open, the Masters 1000
1:34:10 > 1:34:14series, it is a great tournament and he beat Nadal in the quarterfinal
1:34:14 > 1:34:19and it was a big set-up the semifinal, him and Djokovic and
1:34:19 > 1:34:25everyone was looking forward to it and he got hammered. Can you imagine
1:34:25 > 1:34:33beating Thiem 1-0 on a clay court? So Thiem beat Nadal in Rome? I think
1:34:33 > 1:34:36I said Madrid earlier. You beat Nadal and you must be feeling
1:34:36 > 1:34:41confident on a clay court. And the next day you get one game. Back to
1:34:41 > 1:34:47reality.Yes! I would say so. Some of the
1:34:47 > 1:34:54hospitality here at The O2, all the major sponsors of the ATP Tour that
1:34:54 > 1:34:59go to so many places, they have got boxes and meetings taking place. It
1:34:59 > 1:35:05is one of the great gatherings here and then the tennis tour largely
1:35:05 > 1:35:10goes to sleep, but only for a few weeks, only to re-emerge blinking
1:35:10 > 1:35:16from a grey and cold European winter and head to the sunshine of
1:35:16 > 1:35:26Australia at the beginning of next year.
1:35:47 > 1:35:51Focussed on a lot of other stats, but Dimitrov has been to the net 12
1:35:51 > 1:35:55times and won ten and Thiem has come to the net five times and won them
1:35:55 > 1:36:04all.So why don't they get to the net more?
1:36:24 > 1:36:29It's about what you come into the net behind these days. You can't
1:36:29 > 1:36:33come in and play some nice firs volley for position and put the
1:36:33 > 1:36:36second one away.You have got to be selective, but the theme of
1:36:36 > 1:36:39finishing the point at net is a good one. Its not going to happen all the
1:36:39 > 1:36:50time, but looking to be aggressive and dictate to your opponent.
1:37:10 > 1:37:19This is the 20th game of the match. Dimitrov has come in 12 times. Twice
1:37:19 > 1:37:23every three games. I mean, it's nothing. If he could come to the net
1:37:23 > 1:37:31once a game.
1:37:55 > 1:38:00Played a couple of times this year in Brisbane and Dimitrov was playing
1:38:00 > 1:38:04out of his mind at the beginning of the year. He won that one 6-3 in the
1:38:04 > 1:38:09third and then they played in Madrid on the clay, Thiem won that one,
1:38:09 > 1:38:227-6, final set. That was 11-9, the final breaker.
1:40:19 > 1:40:24Really giving away too much trtry. He must have been 20 feet behind the
1:40:24 > 1:40:29baseline. It was a heavy ball from Grigor Dimitrov, but you wouldn't
1:40:29 > 1:40:36have thought he needed to be that far back. It's a break point.
1:40:52 > 1:40:57Oh yes, moving forward on to that ball, he looks so good doing it. You
1:40:57 > 1:41:01can't tell me he doesn't know how to play a high ball. That's a wonderful
1:41:01 > 1:41:06technique.Look where the contact point is, on the baseline, being
1:41:06 > 1:41:12aggressive, dictating play. Got to look to do that more often
1:41:12 > 1:41:21irrespective of the score.
1:41:26 > 1:41:43That shot helps as well, 134mph. It looked like it caught the line.
1:41:52 > 1:42:05Break point saved. Excellent hold in the end from Dominic Thiem.
1:42:05 > 1:42:08Giving away a lot of territory at the back of the court, but stepping
1:42:08 > 1:42:12up and catching that forehand beautifully to save the break point
1:42:12 > 1:42:15and then serving it out. Do you see him as a future world number one
1:42:15 > 1:42:25yourself, having seen his development?I guess po toningsly.
1:42:25 > 1:42:30The exciting thing for him, there is areas he can improve on. He
1:42:30 > 1:42:34generates a lot of power, with you doesn't have the consistency yet.
1:42:34 > 1:42:39From the back of the court, falls into a similar category. Can hit the
1:42:39 > 1:42:43ball hard and generate both wings, that I think on this type of surface
1:42:43 > 1:42:50the court positioning is a question mark, but having heard about his
1:42:50 > 1:42:53work ethic, how motivated he is and the hours that he spends on court, I
1:42:53 > 1:42:57think with the team around him he will be looking to make those
1:42:57 > 1:43:01improvements and if he does that, you could see him a the top of the
1:43:01 > 1:43:09pile. The next finals in Milan were
1:43:09 > 1:43:18considered a success. Chung of South Korea won that. Donaldson was
1:43:18 > 1:43:35playing that as well. Others beside, but some developments from the next
1:43:35 > 1:43:40gen. I am sure we will get a chance to talk about the Grand Slams this
1:43:40 > 1:43:46week. So having had his opportunity Dimitrov must now fend-off this
1:43:46 > 1:43:54situation at 5-6.
1:45:23 > 1:45:27It felt like Dimitrov was the player who had the opportunity on the third
1:45:27 > 1:45:32shot of the rally. His second shot maybe to attack and come in. And he
1:45:32 > 1:45:40didn't do that. Thiem was able to work his way into the point and that
1:45:40 > 1:45:48last backhand was definitely a little bit tight.
1:46:49 > 1:47:06And it's away. Dominic Thiem makes it 1-1. Mum over there, delighted
1:47:06 > 1:47:11and his partner, Christina as well. Going the distance. This is another
1:47:11 > 1:47:14thing that's being looked at is the amount of toilet breaks that can be
1:47:14 > 1:47:21taken. All part of the Next Gen view of the world as we take a look at
1:47:21 > 1:47:26set number two and see what has turned around. Total winners, well,
1:47:26 > 1:47:32roughly the same. The ratio of winners to unforced errors not
1:47:32 > 1:47:36looking good for Dimitrov there. That proves it was the last game
1:47:36 > 1:47:43because he did after all have that break point opportunity at 5-5. How
1:47:43 > 1:47:51quickly it can turn round. Points won on points served.Looking at the
1:47:51 > 1:47:55serving stats there, the one that will worry Dimitrov is first serve
1:47:55 > 1:47:59percentage. When it goes in, he was winning a good percentage, 80%, but
1:47:59 > 1:48:04only made 43% of first serves. That's really a role reversal, it
1:48:04 > 1:48:12was Thiem in the first set who couldn't find the mark.The first
1:48:12 > 1:48:27set was really low. What you struggle, I have not been
1:48:27 > 1:48:31in a spaceship, but it is like having to look at the dials on that
1:48:31 > 1:48:34and trying to make sense of it sometimes, but you try and follow
1:48:34 > 1:48:39these things. I do my best! There will be revolutions and the
1:48:39 > 1:48:44spin rate, you will see that graphic come up from Dominic Thiem and
1:48:44 > 1:48:49towards the end of that set, he was rewarded for staying back and
1:48:49 > 1:48:54hitting hard because Grigor Dimitrov did get tight.He kept the ball in
1:48:54 > 1:48:59play and it's the tactic that won him last game, but I think really to
1:48:59 > 1:49:03be a dominant force indoors he has to be more committed to his
1:49:03 > 1:49:09strengths. And having viewed all the sta Starcs
1:49:09 > 1:49:14the most important thing, it is 1-1. We have a third set shoot-out. I
1:49:14 > 1:49:18think the start of this third set could be important.
1:49:18 > 1:49:23Can Thiem maintain the momentum and the aggression or can Dimitrov turn
1:49:23 > 1:49:28it around?
1:50:34 > 1:50:44Nine points in a row for Thiem.
1:50:51 > 1:50:58The next game is going to be absolutely vital for Dimitrov to
1:50:58 > 1:51:03settle back into this match. He has been completely outplayed the last
1:51:03 > 1:51:11eight or nine minutes.
1:51:13 > 1:51:19A debut for Grigor Dimitrov, Dominic Thiem is world number four from
1:51:19 > 1:51:33Austria, the man in your picture. Looked up to the likes of Kubick.
1:51:33 > 1:51:43They have always had good players in that country.
1:51:43 > 1:51:48This is the talisman for Bulgarian tennis. Dimitrov. An important game
1:51:48 > 1:52:00here. 1-0. This is a very poor run of form now
1:52:00 > 1:52:11for Dimitrov.
1:53:57 > 1:54:02You can see by Dimitrov's reaction, the fist pump and looking at his
1:54:02 > 1:54:11box, he appreciated what an important game that was.
1:54:55 > 1:54:59This is another thing at the Next Gen final ins Milan, every single
1:54:59 > 1:55:02line was covered by Hawk-Eye and they have got the technology to do
1:55:02 > 1:55:06that, so there was no need for any of this. Was a great addition and
1:55:06 > 1:55:09it's important to get the right call. But if it was automatic, we
1:55:09 > 1:55:14could be playing already. It's quite fun a bit of drama, isn't
1:55:14 > 1:55:26it, with a few challenges? I think the use of the technology is
1:55:26 > 1:55:30a must because it's very difficult calling the ball when it's
1:55:30 > 1:55:34travelling so fast so close to the lines and you want to make sure that
1:55:34 > 1:55:42matches are not decided on a bad call.
1:56:59 > 1:57:06Nicely done. The evening session is one to look forward to with Rafa
1:57:06 > 1:57:11Nadal here, of course, and hopefully his knee will be OK, but as you were
1:57:11 > 1:57:16saying before, Tim, nobody in tennis at this point in the season is
1:57:16 > 1:57:21playing without something slightly wrong. All the players are looking
1:57:21 > 1:57:25forward to some rest after this one, but many will go straight into a
1:57:25 > 1:57:30training block after maybe a week or ten-day holiday. It never really
1:57:30 > 1:57:35stops, does it?It is always the challenge and getting that schedule
1:57:35 > 1:57:39right and here we are in the middle of November after a busy season. The
1:57:39 > 1:57:43players definitely need a bit of time just to relax and recuperate
1:57:43 > 1:57:47and let any of those aches and pains and niggles t hopefully disappear
1:57:47 > 1:57:52before they really put themselves through their paces to give
1:57:52 > 1:57:55themselves the platform to start building in 2018.
1:57:55 > 1:57:59Learning how to manage your body and the schedule also is something that
1:57:59 > 1:58:05you learn over time. Federer has certainly managed that, deciding to
1:58:05 > 1:58:10pull out of Paris ahead of this event where if he had played that
1:58:10 > 1:58:14Masters 1000 series event and done well, pedestrian would still be in
1:58:14 > 1:58:18with a shout of finishing yet another year as world number one, as
1:58:18 > 1:58:22it is, Nadal has now done enough, but the rivalry between those two,
1:58:22 > 1:58:25don't think for a moment that they don't want to be getting through the
1:58:25 > 1:58:30final here.It was interesting to hear Federer talking earlier on in
1:58:30 > 1:58:35the week how he expects to play more tennis next year. He views this year
1:58:35 > 1:58:39as such an exceptional performance, even he doubts that he could repeat
1:58:39 > 1:58:43it, therefore feels he might have to add a few extra tournaments.Roger
1:58:43 > 1:58:50did you say?Yes.
1:59:00 > 1:59:01Year. He views
1:59:02 > 1:59:11And here is the man likened so many times to Roger Federer. Baby Fed
1:59:11 > 1:59:16they used to call him. I think he preferred Prime Time. The
1:59:16 > 1:59:20resemblance, people don't really compare him anymore. He's Grigor
1:59:20 > 1:59:28Dimitrov.
1:59:58 > 2:00:02It's good hitting from Dimitrov, don't get me wrong, but it is an
2:00:02 > 2:00:10open invitation when Thiem stands that far behind the baseline.
2:02:17 > 2:02:21He couldn't get through him and he couldn't get past him, Dimitrov. But
2:02:21 > 2:02:26he did get over the top. With a beautiful top-spin, lob, just
2:02:26 > 2:02:35a lit flick. Not easy from there. This wasn't very good.
2:02:35 > 2:02:47Is That is always the its financing do you that.
2:02:49 > 2:02:54Decent hold there towards the end of the second set, beginning of the
2:02:54 > 2:02:59third set, this desired here. Thiem did have a run of 11 straight
2:02:59 > 2:03:15points. Two all now, with new tennis balls.
2:04:47 > 2:04:56Dimitrov refusing to give territory, at baseline, at one point, getting
2:04:56 > 2:05:01right down, whack back of court, smothering the ball. Here is an
2:05:01 > 2:05:13opportunity, Thiem can't buy a first serve in this game yet.
2:05:33 > 2:05:38Is hustling. 105mph, went for the kick. Didn't pay dividends, two
2:05:38 > 2:05:49break points.
2:06:09 > 2:06:18This is the meat of the match now. Net cord not helping the Bulgarian
2:06:18 > 2:06:28player.
2:06:56 > 2:06:59Two second serves in this game. Dimitrov has tried to come over the
2:06:59 > 2:07:04backhand and first point and that one, there, the break point.It is
2:07:04 > 2:07:07is a fine line, on that second you would say well he committed to it,
2:07:07 > 2:07:11he went for it. But going down the the line, high part of the net.
2:07:11 > 2:07:24It is a high risk strategy for such a big point.
2:07:40 > 2:07:46It was a game where Dimitrov worked his way into a good position there,
2:07:46 > 2:07:50had to Hustle and sprint round the back of the Court and Thiem has got
2:07:50 > 2:07:56out of it to main the momentum. Hats off to him for that game. That is is
2:07:56 > 2:08:00a momentum biller.It certainly is, this is where Thiem has the score
2:08:00 > 2:08:05board on his side. Cheeps his nose in front.
2:08:05 > 2:08:10Puts the pressure back on Dimitrov, when you are always playing catch
2:08:10 > 2:08:16up. First Bulgarian player is Dimitrov, to reach the season ending
2:08:16 > 2:08:27Championship. Of course on the women's side they have the malaria
2:08:27 > 2:08:36sisters who were superb players. -- Malava. For Austria, a fine seam of
2:08:36 > 2:08:51players but Thiem considered to be the best since Thomas Muster.
2:08:55 > 2:09:07Each of the action coming your way here on the BBC.
2:09:08 > 2:09:16We will have different ones. Just as Nadal is on this evening.
2:09:16 > 2:09:21These matches, despite the likes of Djokovic and Wawrinka, Nishikori.
2:09:21 > 2:09:24Andy Murray, we miss those players but the tennis, no less intense,
2:09:24 > 2:09:34because of it.
2:10:01 > 2:10:06The We do have the schedule for tomorrow. Cilic versus Sock.
2:10:06 > 2:10:12Is Tomorrow afternoon. It is a must win match.
2:10:12 > 2:10:22For both players.
2:12:44 > 2:12:52Great response. Disappointment, worked so hard in the previous game
2:12:52 > 2:12:57and not broken. So not hanging his head at all, is he.It is a great
2:12:57 > 2:13:01technique on the volley, meeting it out in front. Punching the racket
2:13:01 > 2:13:08head. Pumping the fist. He has come to the
2:13:08 > 2:13:12net 19 time, you have to think that is probably not enough. He needs to
2:13:12 > 2:13:22come forward more.
2:14:24 > 2:14:27You can hear the work Dimitrov is doing round the back of the court.
2:14:27 > 2:14:39The stamping of the feet on those wide forehands.
2:14:41 > 2:14:50The value of the work on that second point, 20, 30 feet off the court
2:14:50 > 2:14:55surface, now he has his chance f Haye had gone love 30 down, chances
2:14:55 > 2:14:58of him winning the game or getting involved in it were very slim. Now,
2:14:58 > 2:15:09the half chance.
2:15:23 > 2:15:26Wonderful block return of serve. Thiem will feel he shouldn't have
2:15:26 > 2:15:38missed this one, has he missed it? Certainly has.
2:15:48 > 2:16:00Do more here in the third set for Dimitrov.
2:16:07 > 2:16:14Oh! That is magnificent. That didn't everyone look to be an
2:16:14 > 2:16:23option, that is is right off the practice court.
2:16:23 > 2:16:25The chip short return, you can't account for where that is going to
2:16:25 > 2:16:31go. He saw it, so quick, and alive to the opportunity, followed it in.
2:16:31 > 2:16:40And this is Tiger Woods with a wedge would have been delighted with that.
2:16:40 > 2:16:45When you see a player with this much skill, this good a technique around
2:16:45 > 2:16:48the net, mine that is not an easy shot.
2:16:48 > 2:16:56It is not an easy shot on the practice court. Recognises that is
2:16:56 > 2:17:01an awkward approach, moves forward Thiem playses a very delicate little
2:17:01 > 2:17:04backhand and from a off his shoelaces. That is beautiful, isn't
2:17:04 > 2:17:14it. That is one of the best shots we
2:17:14 > 2:17:18have seen all year. That is not overstating it. Look at the
2:17:18 > 2:17:21cleanness and the contact on the ball, is demonstrated by the amount
2:17:21 > 2:17:28of spin there is on it and that stops dead. The ball has travelled
2:17:28 > 2:17:32forward only five, six, seven feet. Wonderful.
2:17:36 > 2:17:43The short of shot you play as a kid and you love them. That is is one of
2:17:43 > 2:17:50yours Tim.It is one you try a couple of hundred times but it only
2:17:50 > 2:17:56comes off a couple of times. Now he has to put that behind him, get back
2:17:56 > 2:18:02in to the process of hitting his spots on his first serve.
2:18:02 > 2:18:08First serve down at 40% again. He needs to hit his targets now and
2:18:08 > 2:18:18look to dictate.
2:19:02 > 2:19:13Thiem sticking around.
2:19:56 > 2:20:01Doesn't really have the technique on that backhand slice. He had thrown
2:20:01 > 2:20:06some heavy artillery down the other end.Dimitrov had the chance to move
2:20:06 > 2:20:11forward in the rally, and once you haven't done that you felt Thiem had
2:20:11 > 2:20:24a chance but poor unforced error at this stage of the match.
2:20:33 > 2:20:37He does have one challenge remainling Thiem, so he has had two
2:20:37 > 2:20:41failure news in set. He has asked the questions twice, this one felt
2:20:41 > 2:20:44great off the racket, he had Dimitrov off the court with this,
2:20:44 > 2:20:49did it land? He will be a bit cross if it did.
2:20:49 > 2:21:02Perhaps crosser because it didn't. He hit it so well.
2:21:28 > 2:21:32Certainly hit the spot with the first serve.
2:21:32 > 2:21:44Took a little pace off 110 but smart play.
2:21:45 > 2:21:49Four straight points and love 30 down Thiem will be so disappointed
2:21:49 > 2:22:01there, he had his chance, will he get another?
2:22:42 > 2:22:45Think looking at Dimitrov's reaction after winning that points, he
2:22:45 > 2:22:50fancies another break of serve. Rather than going through the
2:22:50 > 2:22:56process of trying to serve it out at 5-4.
2:23:01 > 2:23:06That is fine, heavy top-spinning ball. Dips in the court.
2:23:40 > 2:23:44So balanced. I think his coach wants him to finish it here, thanks very
2:23:44 > 2:23:57much. It will be intriguing to see another game.
2:24:22 > 2:24:33Good job from the Austrian. He seems to deal with disappointment
2:24:33 > 2:24:37very well.He has a great attitude on the court. As enough as Dimitrov
2:24:37 > 2:24:43wanted to get the extra break to win the match, Thiem knew he has to hold
2:24:43 > 2:24:46serve to make Dimitrov go through that trauma of trying to serve out
2:24:46 > 2:24:56the match.
2:24:59 > 2:25:04First qualifier from Bulgaria. Two groups of four, and this is coming
2:25:04 > 2:25:08from the Sampras group, Nadal playing later on against Goffin of
2:25:08 > 2:25:13Belgium. This is a match which could well decide, with respect to Gough,
2:25:13 > 2:25:18who is is a wonderful player, I can see Nadal going through and one of
2:25:18 > 2:25:22these two at the moment. Very early day, of course.
2:25:22 > 2:25:27So in the context of this group and this tournament, that game coming
2:25:27 > 2:25:32up, very important. Love 30 down on his previous service
2:25:32 > 2:25:33game, Dimitrov.
2:25:36 > 2:25:40Doesn't want to get off to that type of start when you are trying to
2:25:40 > 2:25:46serve out the match.Might want to have a look on his states. When you
2:25:46 > 2:25:58get your first serve in you do very well.
2:25:59 > 2:26:03Just get on the job here, think as clearly as possible and goer it. 5-4
2:26:03 > 2:26:14and serving for a win.
2:26:43 > 2:26:47Not a lot wrong, quality backhand pass, keep that low. Thiem to set up
2:26:47 > 2:26:59the forehand. Crosscourt winner.
2:26:59 > 2:27:10Long way to go. Very smart. Excellent match play,
2:27:10 > 2:27:14both players demonstrating their calibre, 115mph first serve, taking
2:27:14 > 2:27:20a bit off it, getting it in heavy. Two first serves in this game.
2:27:20 > 2:27:31Following in the rules.
2:28:47 > 2:28:51Oi both players with chance, ball on the baseline, most of the crowd had
2:28:51 > 2:29:04a view on that. Dimitrov might have challenged.
2:29:04 > 2:29:10Did well, Thiem. He is not a player to go away, when the going gets
2:29:10 > 2:29:20tough. That ball was out on the baseline.
2:29:20 > 2:29:39Was it?Yes, it was. Oh! Superb backhand as Tim Henman
2:29:39 > 2:29:44was saying if Dimitrov had challenged on his own baseline, he
2:29:44 > 2:29:55would have been 40-15 and two match points.
2:30:16 > 2:30:26The game is gone. Thiem has broken Dimitrov's not going to want to hear
2:30:26 > 2:30:30after the match, about that call, but he will, in the press
2:30:30 > 2:30:36conference, his lack of a challenge, which goes to show whey why I think
2:30:36 > 2:30:39the automatic line calling at the next general finals is something
2:30:39 > 2:30:46that should be adopted if at all possible.
2:30:46 > 2:30:56-- Next Gem.
2:31:19 > 2:31:22We certainly know about Thiem's resolve. It will be a test of
2:31:22 > 2:31:26character for Dimitrov and he will serve for the match. I'm sure he
2:31:26 > 2:31:29would have had his doubts about that call. He has got to put it behind
2:31:29 > 2:31:39him.
2:32:20 > 2:32:27He worked so hard to get back in the match. An unforced error, double
2:32:27 > 2:32:39fault and sudden down 0-40.
2:32:43 > 2:32:55Ah, two in a round. Dumps his serve to 0.
2:32:55 > 2:33:00-- row. You wouldn't want to approach the game any differently if
2:33:00 > 2:33:05you were Dimitrov when he served 5-4, he got two first serves in to
2:33:05 > 2:33:09begin the game?The most basic form of psychology is staying in the
2:33:09 > 2:33:13present tense and this is a classic case where Dimitrov has got to
2:33:13 > 2:33:17forget about his last efforts to serve for the match, put it behind
2:33:17 > 2:33:22him and really have a clear plan on the first couple of points. How he
2:33:22 > 2:33:28wants to execute the first points of the next game.Well, interestingly
2:33:28 > 2:33:34at 5-4 he approached it by taking a first bit off the first point.He
2:33:34 > 2:33:37did things right and you have got toe give credit to Thiem for
2:33:37 > 2:33:42sticking in. There was a huge call that had a huge unfluns on the game.
2:33:42 > 2:33:46Thiem hit the shot that was out at 30-15, if the challenge had been
2:33:46 > 2:33:52made, if the call had been made. 40-15, two match points, you felt
2:33:52 > 2:33:58that might have been enough, but we don't do ifs and buts. Now he has
2:33:58 > 2:34:05got to stand up to the line and deliver a strong service game.The
2:34:05 > 2:34:09lights haven't come up on the court yet because people who are taking
2:34:09 > 2:34:11the fee, the TV fee around the world, they are taking commercial
2:34:11 > 2:34:17breaks. They all come back and the players are requested to stay in
2:34:17 > 2:34:22their seats until the lights on the court come back up again, but
2:34:22 > 2:34:27Dimitrov is sending a clear message that he is ready to get toe-to-toe
2:34:27 > 2:34:32in this game, by coming out before the lights.Let's see whether he
2:34:32 > 2:34:38changes that up.
2:34:40 > 2:34:52The last time they played earlier on this year, Dimitrov it five match
2:34:52 > 2:35:01points before Thiem won it. I wonder if we are heading that way.
2:35:23 > 2:35:29One out wide at the deuce box would probably be viewed as a safe serve,
2:35:29 > 2:35:41but that one 126mph straight up The T. Got his reward.
2:36:13 > 2:36:20That was a bit tight. His coach is up on his feet.
2:36:20 > 2:36:24He is urging him on.If that was a bit tight I would hate to see what
2:36:24 > 2:36:30very tight is!
2:37:00 > 2:37:08A game of small margins.
2:37:13 > 2:37:23Double fault. Missed forehand. Back to deuce.
2:37:34 > 2:37:42Anywhere in the box at this stage.
2:37:46 > 2:37:53Oh. Or anywhere over the net.
2:37:54 > 2:38:01Everybody gets nervous.
2:38:04 > 2:38:14Third match point this game. He would like to finish it with one
2:38:14 > 2:38:22swish of the racket, I think.
2:38:43 > 2:38:50And it's away. Grigor Dimitrov opens his account with a victory over
2:38:50 > 2:38:54Dominic Thiem. The second visit to London for the Austrian, but it is
2:38:54 > 2:38:58the Bulgarian on debut who gets the win. A really good match. Strong
2:38:58 > 2:39:02tennis. Nerves. Showing how much it matters this season ending
2:39:02 > 2:39:07championship. Great effort in the end for Grigor Dimitrov to come
2:39:07 > 2:39:17through that.
2:39:18 > 2:39:22Ten years out on tour and finally gets to make it to this end of
2:39:22 > 2:39:27season showdown.And wins it the hard way at the second time of
2:39:27 > 2:39:35asking, serving it out. Dominic Thiem the world number four
2:39:35 > 2:39:40outplayed this time, but he still has to play Rafa Nadal and David
2:39:40 > 2:39:43Goffin and he can still make the semi-finals. He can still win this
2:39:43 > 2:39:48event. He has to regroup and he will get a day off to think about this
2:39:48 > 2:39:56and then come back. Dimitrov gains the victory. The first by a
2:39:56 > 2:39:58Bulgarian man at the season ending championships. So another milestone
2:39:58 > 2:40:12for him. Three tournament victories this year for Grigor Dimitrov as we
2:40:12 > 2:40:14see a new-found maturity. There certainly would have been times in
2:40:14 > 2:40:21the past where if he had served for the match, and lost it, it could
2:40:21 > 2:40:25have been a negative reaction, but not a bit of it this time to his
2:40:25 > 2:40:35great credit.
2:40:39 > 2:40:44And Grigor makes his way into the interview position.
2:40:44 > 2:40:52He will be interviewed after that victory.
2:40:52 > 2:40:57So let's hear from Dimitrov who has given us so much entertainment. He
2:40:57 > 2:40:59is talking to Annabel.
2:41:02 > 2:41:05It was an incredible contest, everybody's nerves shredded watching
2:41:05 > 2:41:20it, how did you get the win?It's, I'm not going to lie, I was pretty
2:41:20 > 2:41:24nervous, my first match out. It's not the same when you guys are not
2:41:24 > 2:41:29around. We have been practising on this court and all of a sudden and
2:41:29 > 2:41:32you come in and you feel the weight on your shoulders, in a positive
2:41:32 > 2:41:38way. I'm grateful to win that match and especially in that manner, it is
2:41:38 > 2:41:42never easy toll come out here and play for the first time and yeah,
2:41:42 > 2:41:46I'm super excited to be out here, but entering into this tournament
2:41:46 > 2:41:50was a dream of mine, but it wasn't just to compete, I just wanted to
2:41:50 > 2:41:55win. So, every match I want to give 100% for myself and follow what I
2:41:55 > 2:41:58have been working on, of course and things seem to be going the right
2:41:58 > 2:42:02way so far.They certainly did. It really was a terrific contest. There
2:42:02 > 2:42:06was so many twists and turns to the match. You served 5-4 and then you
2:42:06 > 2:42:11got it back again at 5-5 to serve for it again. How did you get
2:42:11 > 2:42:15through the last game?When I got broken the first time I was like you
2:42:15 > 2:42:20know, let's do it again. You know, you fail and you get back up again
2:42:20 > 2:42:26and that's how it is and I think one of the toughest things is to manage
2:42:26 > 2:42:32to switch it around and as soon as I broke him back, I thought I'm
2:42:32 > 2:42:36picking up the momentum and I had to use the first serves, but there were
2:42:36 > 2:42:40a few close calls here and there. Yeah, on to the next one though!
2:42:40 > 2:42:43Yes, OK, and finally, as you say, it is your first experience playing
2:42:43 > 2:42:48here at The O2, just describe at the atmosphere and what it feels like to
2:42:48 > 2:42:52play on this special arena and this very special court?I wish I could
2:42:52 > 2:43:02describe, guys, thank you so much. Yeah, I always like to say without
2:43:02 > 2:43:07support, on side, of course the family, I mean my team and close
2:43:07 > 2:43:11friends who are around and I mean, without that, you just, you know, it
2:43:11 > 2:43:14doesn't matter how good you are on court and all that, you're empty.
2:43:14 > 2:43:19For me having all that, it's just joy and to be able to compete in
2:43:19 > 2:43:24front of them and win matches in front of you guys, I mean it's my
2:43:24 > 2:43:33dream. I'm living my dream right now so I'm going to keep going that way.
2:43:33 > 2:43:37Well done, Grigor Dimitrov.Thank you very much.
2:43:37 > 2:43:41It was a glorious match. A great shot making and well done for Grigor
2:43:41 > 2:43:48Dimitrov. I'm not sure how he felt, I was getting nervous. Tim and Andy
2:43:48 > 2:43:52are with me. It was a tense thing. It is never easy when you lose your
2:43:52 > 2:43:55serve and you had your opportunity and suddenly you are back at 5-5,
2:43:55 > 2:43:58but he responded very well. There are elements that he did
2:43:58 > 2:44:01exceptionally well and I don't necessarily think that he is aware
2:44:01 > 2:44:06of them. They played close to 30 games and he came to the net 25
2:44:06 > 2:44:10times and he won 20 of them, so he's winning 80%, but he is coming in
2:44:10 > 2:44:15less than one point a game. It's an area he could do more and it would
2:44:15 > 2:44:19give him greater success on first serve, both were average. Only about
2:44:19 > 2:44:2350% first serve. So if he can serve more consistently then he's going to
2:44:23 > 2:44:31play even better.Andrew, a word. Great tennis, great advert.I think
2:44:31 > 2:44:36he can win this group. It depends on Nadal's knee. He will beat Goffin I
2:44:36 > 2:44:42would imagine so he has put himself in a great position and he is a
2:44:42 > 2:44:47wonderful and entertaining player to match.We will be back tomorrow at
2:44:47 > 2:44:512pm on BBC Two. What a match we had. What a close, close ending. I hope
2:44:51 > 2:45:02you enjoyed it from all of us here. Bye-bye.
2:45:06 > 2:45:16It's a set to Grigor Dimitrov. And it's away for Dominic Thiem. He
2:45:16 > 2:45:24makes it 1-1.That's magnificent. Grigor Dimitrov opens his account.