Dominic Thiem: Winning Grand Slam took lot of pressure off me

World No. 3 Dominic Thiem has acknowledged that winning a maiden Grand Slam title at last year's US Open took a lot off pressure of him. 

Thiem kicked off his 2021 season on Friday in Adelaide, losing to world No. 2 Rafael Nadal at the Adelaide exhibition.

"Winning a Grand Slam took a lot of pressure off me. I lost three finals before that. Two of them against this guy," Thiem sai +d after the match, per Jose Morgado.

The 2020 season was one of the most challenging seasons in tennis history but for Thiem it was not that bad.

"It's been a very tough year for everybody but still great success for me. Now and today it is time to be thankful and grateful for today, for Australia and for everything they have done for us," Thiem said, per Jake Davies.

Thiem wants to beat Nadal at the French Open 

After beating Thiem, Nadal acknowledged the last year was'nt easy. 

"Well, it has been a very hard year for all the world in general. For us in Spain we were hit very hard by the virus, we are still in a very tough situation. I think Australia is a really positive example on how to make things the right way," Nadal said.

"I think Australia is an amazing, positive example about how to make things the right way to control the pandemic, so many congratulations to the country."

Recently, Thiem spoke about his desite to beat Nadal at Roland Garros finally.

"Rafael Nadal is in the league of his own at Roland Garros; I have never managed to beat him there. I'm confident against him at other tournaments, but it becomes extra tough on Court Philippe-Chatrier; it's one of our sport's toughest challenges. He lost twice in 16 years in Paris; that's insane. Rafa should be the favorite in Paris for another year or two, but I will try to beat his this season," Thiem said.

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