Djokovic destroys Thiem to set up Zverev final
Dominic Thiem eliminated Rafael Nadal, but was powerless to resist the irrepressible Novak Djokovic, who looked in top form in Italy.
Novak Djokovic produced a show of astounding dominance on Sunday (AEST) to sweep Dominic Thiem aside and book a place in the Internazionali BNL d'Italia final.
The world No.2 had to finish off his quarter-final against Juan Martin del Potro earlier in the day, but showed no signs of fatigue as he breezed past Thiem 6-1 6-0.
Thiem impressed by ousting 'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal in the previous round, but had no answer for Djokovic, who faces Alexander Zverev in a final on Sunday when he will be seeking a record 31st ATP Masters 1000 title.
The 2016 runner-up's struggles since completing a career Grand Slam at the French Open last year have been well documented, but he appeared close to his domineering best and was 5-0 up in the first set after 18 minutes.
Djokovic dictated proceedings, putting Thiem on the back foot and not allowing him an inch. The Austrian managed to avoid the bagel, but the second seed forced an error to clinch the set in rapid speed.
A huge roar was let out by the 12-time major winner after he started the second with a break, and his brilliant defence meant Thiem had to take greater risks, a wide forehand soon put him 3-0 down.
The Serbian was not denied the bagel in the second set, sending him into the final high on confidence.