‘That’s crazy’ – Dominic Thiem gets unnecessary tweener all wrong at key moment against Felix Auger-Aliassime

Dominic Thiem caused surprise in the Eurosport commentary booth as he hit a “crazy” tweener at a key moment during his Australian Open first-round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.

With Thiem serving for the fourth set to force a decider, the former US Open champion attempted a shot through his legs at 30-30, when there seemed time to reposition himself for a standard shot.

The 30-year-old hit the ball into the net, and Auger-Aliassime won the next point to break back and make it 5-5.

And Thiem’s shot selection was questioned by former British No. 1 Jo Durie who was commentating on Eurosport and discovery+.

“Why would you do that? You can play an ordinary shot,” said Durie.

Fellow commentator Chris Bradnam agreed: “That moment? To try that? It’s a lifeline point.”

“He could have got round that and hit a forehand – that’s crazy,” added Durie.

Ultimately, it was not an issue for Thiem – in that set at least – as he broke again straight away to win the fourth set 7-5, forcing a decider as the match moved past 1am in Melbourne.

However, it was Auger-Aliassime who emerged victorious 6-3 7-5 6-7(5) 5-7 6-3 in an epic five-setter that lasted a minute short of five hours.