Thiem upsets Federer in semifinal thriller

Dominic Thiem has upstaged Roger Federer on the Swiss star’s preferred surface, saving two match points to reach the ATP final in Stuttgart.

Thiem blew a 5-1 lead in the second set before squeezing through a tense tiebreak, and went on to win 3-6 7-6(7) 6-4 in the rain-affected contest.

He will face Philipp Kohlschreiber in the final, after the German downed Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets.

It was Thiem’s second win in as many meetings over Federer, after triumphing in their match in Rome – Federer’s last tournament appearance before a back injury ruled him out of Roland Garros.

“I was incredibly nervous. I was lucky in the tiebreaker but you need good luck to beat the best player on grass,” Thiem said.

“This was one of the best feelings I’ve had in tennis. For sure this was one of my best matches – I didn’t know I could play so well on grass.

Added Federer: “It was a good match in tough condition.

“We were playing in the rain at the end of the second set, we had rain breaks after the second and another in the third.

“Coming back in the second set was good but it was tough to lose in the breaker.

“I can play better, but he came up with some good shots when he needed them.”