All the top tennis players are gearing up as we gradually head into the Australian Open. Austrian tennis superstar Dominic Thiem is also no different, the 27-year-old has taken the best measures possible to stay in his best shape despite the restrictions and quarantine due to the pandemic.
Thiem has already claimed that he is physically ready to feature in the ATP Cup followed by the arduous Australian Open. The Austrian feels he is in his best condition to perform at his best level in the rigorous Australian summer.
Speaking with a German publication, the US Open winner said, “In the last eight or nine years, I have always been warm throughout December.”
Thiem feels that the vacation has given him ample time to rest and he has reached Australia well ahead of time to prepare and be ready for the tournament. “Simply because I had a longer vacation and a really long time (to rest and recover), I was here (Australia) right on time,” Thiem added.
Despite the Men’s tour being curtailed last year due to the pandemic, the Austrian claimed that he has spent enough time with his physio and coach. Thiem feels that his preparation ahead of the Australian Open has been similar to how he prepared ahead of the 2019 season. He also said that he felt physically very good before leaving Australia and that helped him sustain the level which he wanted to be till the end of the season.
“Especially from mid-2019 and throughout 2020, I felt in top shape in all areas such as endurance and speed. We made sure that it stays that way,” the Austrian said.
His fitness last season allowed him to be consistent at the top level and challenge the top players in big events. Thiem played his third Grand Slam final in Melbourne against Novak Djokovic which he ended second best. But he came back roaring against Alexander Zverev to break his Grand Slam hoodoo at the US Open finals.
So Thiem will be eager to go one step ahead from last season at the Australian Open as it will give him an early momentum into the season ahead. The 27-year-old makes it clear that he and some of the others will look to challenge the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, he said, “I still see Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic a small step above Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev and me, but all six have a chance to win the tournament.”
Lastly the Austrian is focused to perform well in the ATP Cup which looks to be the buildup for the Australia Open. Thiem feels that the Austrian team likes the tournament and they also have a lot to make up from last season.
“We definitely want to play well at the ATP Cup. I also think that Austria has good chances because we have a strong team. The team basically likes the ATP Cup, and it also has something to make up for from last year. 2020 was a bit bitter because I was also well prepared and then played two poor games; I hope to do better this year,” he concluded.
