ATP Cup: Austria wants to start with a "valuable event"
The Austrian team wants to cause a sensation at the ATP Cup. Dominic Thiem & Co. will play the opening game against Croatia on Saturday (from 7:30 a.m.CET, live on ServusTV).
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Jan 03, 2020, 05:08 pm
"I think the group will be fairly balanced," said Dominic Thiem after his arrival in Sydney. In fact, there is no clear favorite on paper, with Croatia, Poland and Argentina, the Austrian team should face three teams of about the same strength.
With Croatia, Austria is expecting the team that may be easy to favor at the start, with Borna Coric and Marin Cilic, the Croatians can come up with two top 40 players. Croatia also has two excellent doubles, Nikola Mektic and Ivan Dodig.
Thiem against Coric with a positive record
A victory of Dennis Novak against Marin Cilic would be limited to a small sensation, so Dominic Thiem's personnel will be all the more important. Against Coric, the fourth in the world rankings won the last three games, against which there is a defeat in Miami in 2017 - the conditions could be worse for the Lichtenwörther.
Especially since after his "world-class preparation" in Miami fitter than ever came to Australia . "We are really excited," said the 26-year-old before the ATP Cup kick-off. In particular, he is delighted that Dennis Novak is his best friend on the same team. But chemistry would also work with Sebastian Ofner and doubles Oliver Marach and Jürgen Melzer. "I can't wait to support them," said Thiem.
Thiem: Patterns the "perfect choice"
Coach Thomas Muster is already looking forward to the start. "It is a very valuable event," said the Styrian. Unlike the Davis Cup, the ATP Cup is awarded points for the world rankings. The Styrian can also gain a lot from the format: "I like the team spirit idea with the ATP Cup. It takes it to a new level."
Thiem, however, had nothing but praise for Muster. Muster is "the perfect choice" for the position as team captain. It remains to be seen whether this will be reflected in the results.