Thiem: 'Love story with Mladenovic will make me get more French support'
Dominic Thiem believes that his romantic relationship with Kristina Mladenovic will make him get more support in the French Open. The Austrian player, speaking ahead of the second calendar Grand Slam of the year, said: "I think it [does have] a little effect because of course people know the fact that I am together with her and I think they really love her. So they take me in their heart also. I hope so. Last year, it was already a very good atmosphere every time I played there, and if the French people are for me, I think it's a big bonus."
Thiem approaches the Paris event being confident: "Roland Garros is the biggest goal in my career. A Grand Slam title -- it doesn't really matter where it is -- but I think my chances are the highest in Paris, so that's why this tournament is always the biggest highlight of my year."
Patrick McEnroe, a former world No. 1 doubles player, said: "The one thing Rafa is missing because of those losses is the mystique he usually has at this time of year. But his style is still like nothing we've ever seen. That spin imparts with the forehand so ferociously and consistently for two to five hours. It's just an X-factor that's almost impossible to deal with."
McEnroe expects a balanced tournament: "We saw in Australia how slim the margins were. Rafa was a little off, and all of a sudden Novak was a steamroller. Then in Rome, we saw how quickly things can change."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2X2jUN8
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