Federer, Raonic, Karlovic: Thiem faced so many different opponents - Coach
In an interview to TennisNet, Dominic Thiem's coach Nicolas Massu commented on the Austrian player's triumph in Indian Wells. Thiem defeated Roger Federer in a three-set final to conquer his maiden Masters 1000 title. "On the court, he should take more risks. Especially against the big servers, he could be more inside the court on the second serve like against Milos Raonic or Ivo Karlovic. Otherwise, they will put you under pressure through serve and volley. He feels home when he hits being far away from the baseline. But he needs to mix it up from time to time. Dominic's matches in Indian Wells were all different. Ivo Karlovic, Milos Raonic, Roger Federer - with these opponents he always had to play in a different way. Dominic showed to have everything also on hard courts. He can do everything. If he shows it again, he will be a dangerous player on all the surfaces", said Thiem.
How was the preparation to Indian Wells? "After Rio, we knew that we had to find him at the best of his shape as soon as possible. When he travelled to South America, he was not in his best condition. He was a little sick and not as strong as we normally know from his matches on tour. We came to Indian Wells already two weeks before the tournament started, so that he could perfectly suit the conditions. We introduced a single training method. The intensity was a big one."
How did Thiem react to this programme? "We have a good relationship. Dominic is not just a good player but he is a good human being. He is an unbelievable hard worker. He followed my advice for the whole preparation. He was always positive, he constantly wants to improve and make a step more. He has an unbelievable mental attitude. He is a true champion. If he is confident, everything is possible."
Massu believes his experience as a former player can help: "Federer, Simon or Karlovic are players who were already there when I started. I know what to expect from them. Consequently, creating a planned tactic is easier."
Can Thiem become world No. 1? "You are not the first one who asked me this question (laughter)", said his coach Nicolas Massu in an interview to TennisNet. "Dominic needs to continue this way, stay a hard worker and trust his coaches. Before the tournament, he was still ill but he suddenly became the Indian Wells champion. So why should he not dream one day to become a Grand Slam winner or world No. 1? He is a player who in terms of potential and talent can win many important titles. He also has to trust himself."
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2HPDOWY
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