Final analysis by Goran Ivanišević
It did not last long, it was not the best match in the world, but all who were last night at Stella Maris will surely remember that they have seen a future champion. Congratulations to Joao Sousa who played a great tournament and reached the final after a series of three big wins (Seppi, Fognini and Bautista Agut), but last night he did not have a chance.
The winner of the 26th Konzum Croatia Open in Umag, the 20th winner in the history of the tournament will befor sure become a big name in the world of tennis. Dominic Thiem is only 21 years old and he is the best proof that the one-handed backhand shot is not extinct. His backhand poetry, technically equal to the best in the world he showed Sousa yesterday, especially in the second set, where he showed how good he can be.
Thiem is one of those players where it is hard to imagine that he can mess up on his way to the top. With this victory he is now among the top 25 tennis players in the world and by the end of the year he could be even higher ranked. He has won already two ATP titles (Nice and Umag this year) and has all the prerequisites to become a top tennis player. The way how he came back against Gael Monfils in the semifinals after he was invisible in the first set and the way how he demolished Sousa today are a good proof to the tournament's audience who had the opportunity to watch him play. Remember that in the history of this tournament titles have won by players who have been on their way to the top, but might not have been so familiar to the general sports audience in Croatia. Dominic will, I believe, like Stan Wawrinka be a great addition to tournament's winner alley. One day you will defitnitely see this guy playing for the biggest titles and you will surely be glad you saw him when he was on the upswing. Therefore, thank you Dominic for a brilliant week and I believe that we will see you again next year in Umag!
