The first 2018 Roland Garros men’s semi final was that between Dominic Thiem (7) (Austria) and Marco Cecchinato (Italy). The favourite, and twice semi finalist, Thiem took the first set 7-5, it Cecchinato was playing much better towards the end of the set.
He continued to be competitive in set two which was highlighted by service holds.
At 3-3, Cecchinato served a quality game, including an off forehand winner, to go ahead 4-3. The Italian had a remarkable 80% first serve so far.
A forehand winner from Thiem was followed by an Austrian error and 30-30. A volley winner and ace and 4-4.
A Thiem volley winner and and a forehand wide from the same racquet brought up game point for Cecchinato. Deuce. Another game point after a big serve. Deuce once more thanks to a Thiem overhead. Two Austrian errors and Cecchinato led 5-4
A great angled forehand and a touch backhand volley highlighted Thiem’s service hold 5-5.
A pair of easy service games and a tie break resulted.
Two drop shots in the first four points from Cecchinato and 2-2.
3-2 after a forehand Thiem winner. 4-2 with an overhead winner.
Off forehand winner and Thiem ahead 5-2. A sizzling return from Thiem and 6-3 - three set points.
One saved through an Italian forehand winner. A second gone when Thiem netted a backhand. 6-6 with another Austrian mistake.
Set point for Cecchinato. Saved by a great serve. Set point Thiem with a volley winner. Saved with a drop shot. 8-8. Set point Cecchinato. 9-9 after a brave second serve hitting the line. Set point Cecchinato. Saved with an incredible Thiem drop shot. Set point number five Thiem.
He wins the tie break 12-10 and leads the match 7-5 7-6(10).
Thiem served first in set three. He held for 1-0. Double fault and netted backhand from Cecchinato and 0-30. Next three points to Cecchinato and game point. Saved by Thiem and then break point. Drop shot for the break 2-0 Thiem.
Forehand winner down the line 30-0. Forced Italian error and three game points. Sensational lob winner and 3-0 Thiem.
Two misses and Cecchinato down 0-30. Three more break points. A second break. Thiem 4-0 and so close to the final.
0-30 with Austrian errors. Back to 30-30, including an ace. Game point. 5-0 Thiem.
Cecchinato held for 1-5 and Thiem would need to serve for a spot in his first Grand Slam tournament final.
Thiem lost the opening two points, but a backhand winner down the line brought it to 15-30. Cecchinato hit a fine backhand slice to create two break points. A skilful overhead saved one. A good serve saved the other. Match point after another fine serve. A forehand winner at the net did the job for Dominic Thiem 7-5 7-6(10) 6-1.
He will play the winner of Rafa Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro.
Marco Cecchinato was the surprise packet of the tournament, knocking out Novak Djokovic and Pablo Carreno Busta along the way.
His previous career high ranking was 59 and now he is at number 27.
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