One is saved before Thiem just about gets away with the second as Zverev smacks a passing forehand on the run which just lands long.

Deuce.

Thiem then makes another error.

A third break point.

Thiem is beginning to remonstrate with himself after his forehand comes back off the tape.

A double fault and Zverev has two more break points.

This is a sorry sight.

He had advantage then double faults - the second serve that was supposed to go down the T, finds the U.

Terrible.

He eventually holds though.

An error and two big serves and it's 40-30.

But then the German produces a double fault. What?!!

Maybe he wanted a longer service game.

Image source, Getty Images

Leon Smith
GB Davis Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 Live

I can't not think that there is something up with Thiem. He's come through tough matches and played aggressive matches. Is it pressure or is there an injury? He's not moving like he usually does. But Zverev has been sensational so far.

Now then.

So Zverevm who was putting the net points away, leaves a tempter for Thiem who pummels a forehand winner past him.

0-30.

Juicy.

Leon Smith
GB Davis Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 Live

Zverev has not hit a forehand like that in these two weeks. He has decided to step it up today.

Second serve followed by a Thiem forehand which is oh so long.

This is not a pretty watch.

We wanted a classic final - we're not getting it so far.

A rocket of a 103mph forehand gives Zverev another break point chance.

Jiten Chandarana: The way things are going for Thiem currently, he is going to be making that call to Andy Murray soon.

Dennis Ethan: Does Dominic Thiem have to play from the baseline on each point? Why can't he attack the net to just mix things up for Zverev?

0-30 as Zverev produces a great pick up at the net followed by a Thiem angled shot that drifts out.

The Austrian pulls it back to 30-30 with his second ace. Good timing.

This is like the serving of Ivanisevic and the net play of Edberg from Zverev.

Yet another love hold. No sweat.

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live

It does feel like Thiem is weighted down with massive pressure on himself, he looks quiet and flat. Usually he is springy He looks laden with the pressure, quite the opposite at the other end of the court.

Thiem is screaming for salvation - metaphorically - and gets it as Zverev makes an error.

That wasn't an easy hold though.

Image source, Getty Images

Thiem has advantage before Zverev attempts the tried and trusted rush to the net which forces an error from the Austrian.

Deuce again.

Saved as Zverev can't do much with Thiem forehand into the corner.

A crucial save.

Thiem is finding it hard to blow the cobwebs away - that reliable backhand drifts in between the tramlines.

30-30.

He cannot afford another break.

Er...double fault.

Philip Tattaglia: At some point Zverev will go missing in this match. Vital he, therefore, won the first set IMO.

Thiem brings it back to 30s each before an error and an ace bails Zverev out of a small spot of bother.

It was just small.

First set to the German. Was this as easy as he expected it to be?

Image source, Reuters

Zverev is so confident of not being passed by Thiem's groundstrokes that he's regularly coming to the net - seven points from seven approaches. Perfect.

15-0.