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Austrian youngster Thiem wins ATP Croatia Open

Xinhua, July 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

Austrian Dominic Thiem, ranking 26th in the ATP world, beat Portuguese Joao Sousa 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win 26th edition of Konzum Croatia Open in Umag.

Playing in front of the packed stadium in Stella Maris tennis center and world's number one Novak Djokovic, 21-year old Austrian needed just one hour to beat 26-year old Sousa and to win his second career ATP title.

The best Portuguese player was able to withstood a pace with Thiem until 7th game when young Austrian broke him for the first time in the match. From that moment Thiem took control of the match and raced toward his second career title and second in 2015 after he won his first in May at Nice.

"It was a very special day for me as the best tennis player came to watch us. Usually, Novak is the one who entertain us," Thiem said in his winner's speech.

"Joao had a very tough three matches and I played very good. This is a special tournament for me. Many times I played here as a junior and dreamed of playing in front of the packed center court," said the first Austrian winner in Umag after legendary Thomas Muster who won this title three times (1992-93, 1995).

Thiem received his trophy from Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and earned 250 ATP points along with 80.000 Euros.

"I am really disappointed with the final. It's not one of the best finals that you've seen but Dominic played really well. I hope to come next year and be better," runner-up Sousa said after losing for the fourth time in his fifth ATP final.

Dominic Thiem joins former world number one Thomas Muster as the only Austrian winner in Umag and the made it to the list of prominent names that ended up with the winners trophy at Croatia Open. Even though he played the tournament Novak Djokovic is not on that list losing 2006 final to Stan Wawrinka when he was forced to retire. However, Djokovic made a surprise visit and promised to come back to Umag in a quest to win the title that he missed.

"I've always felt welcome in Umag. I promised myself to come back here before I end my career," Djokovic said. Endi