Dominic Thiem: 'Four of us will try to beat Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal'

Dominic Thiem will kick off the new season as a Major champion and world no. 3. The Austrian is serving a two-week quarantine in Adelaide ahead of the Melbourne trip, leading Austria at the ATP Cup before the Australian Open. Thiem is eager to challenge Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in 2021 and seek another Major crown, confident in his abilities after breaking new grounds in the season behind us. Speaking about the Australian Open favorites, Thiem said that Djokovic and Nadal are still a bit in front, although four players could steal the crown in front of them. Alongside himself, the Austrian mentioned Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev as the leading candidates to beat two legends and open the season on a high note. Dominic had a massive opportunity to lift the first Major trophy in Melbourne a year ago, leading two sets to one against Novak Djokovic before falling in five sets.

Dominic Thiem revelead the Australian Open favorites.

Returning stronger at the US Open, Dominic used the fact that none of the biggest rivals were on his path towards the trophy, going all the way to welcome a Major glory at 27. In the decisive clash, Thiem lost the opening two sets to Alexander Zverev in no time and had to work hard to get back on the scoreboard in sets three and four. Leveling the score, Dominic had the upper hand in the decider, but it was Alexander who had the victory in his hands, serving for the win but getting broken in the worst moment. The encounter went down to the wire, and Thiem prevailed in the deciding tie break to become the eighth active Major champion.

"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. 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," Dominic Thiem said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3iwZQ0W