Filip Krajinovic confident ahead of Dominic Thiem clash

World No. 32 Filip Krajinovic insists he expected a tough clash against Italian qualifier Salvatore Caruso in his opener at the Cincinnati Masters. 

The Serb entered the match as the favorite and ended up claiming a straight-set win over the Italian 7-5 6-4. 

"Caruso is a tricky rival, he passed the qualifications and beat two good players, I knew it would not be easy. I came in ready, but there was nervousness, normally after a break of six months. I was an absolute favorite, there were mixed emotions and I am glad that I managed to win," Krajinović told Sport Klub

Krajinovic excited ahead of Dominic Thiem clash 

The USTA is staging both the Cincinnati Masters and US Open in New York, in a bubble. 

2017 Paris Masters runner-up Krajinovic says he is happy with the work the organizers did to make the tournaments possible. 

"I have to praise the organizers, the conditions are good, I thought it would be much harder. Yes, it is difficult without the audience, but besides that, the only problem is that we are far from the club, an hour in one direction. In addition, the organization is good, they are rigorous, which is to be expected. We, the seeds, get apartments on Arthur Ashe, that helps a lot, we have everything we need there, food is ordered through the application. All in all, we are looking forward to the tournament being played," Krajinovic said.

Krajinovic says he has worked on many things over the last few months and he hopes it will all be shown on the match court. 

Nex up for Krajinovic will be second-seeded Thiem, who had a first round bye.

Thiem recently beat Krajinovic in the final of the Adria Tour event in Belgrade.

Krajinovic says facing Thiem will be a good opportunity for him to see where he is at with his level of tennis.

"On many things. I worked with Janko (Tipsarevic) and a fitness trainer, the emphasis was on service, movement and fitness. I am physically ready, I think I am ready for what is to come. I look forward to having the opportunity to play with Thiem, who is third in the world, to see where I am at the moment. I will be a little more relaxed, I would like to be aggressive, I am sure that Janko will tell me that too. I also need easy points with the service, I expect a good and long match," Krajinovic added.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3j6q5ue