Medvedev the next big test for Thiem’s comeback

Daniil Medvedev and Dominic Thiem will clash for the first time in two years when they play in the second round of the ATP Vienna event, with Thiem looking to solidify his long-running wrist injury comeback with an upset win.

The pair of former US Open champions – Thiem in 2020 and Medvedev a year later – last played in the title match at the ATP Finals in London, 2020, with Medvedev taking the win.

But Thiem has been quickly improving his ranking since coming back this season from a June, 2021 wrist problem and could reach his goal of returning to the Top 100 with a solid home performance.

First on his to-do list: try and knock off the top seed and former ATP No. 1.

Medvedev started the week on Wednesday with a 6-2, 6-1 thrashing of Nikoloz Basilashvili in 61 minutes; on Tuesday, Thiem saved two match points in a thrilling to his victory over Tommy Paul.

He now stands 30-10 on hard courts since the start of the year.