ATP Masters Rome: Dominic Thiem - "The Italians are a great tennis audience"
Dominic Thiem expressed his anticipation for the round of 16 in front of spectators after his opening win at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome against Marton Fucsovics.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: May 12, 2021, 06:21 pm
So there is still something going on for Dominic Thiem in Rome. For the first time since 2017, the Austrian number one was allowed to leave a competition place in the Foro Italico as the winner. Back then after a smooth win against Rafael Nadal , this time after a not so close win against Marton Fucsovics. The Hungarian was only two points before his first triumph against Thiem in the second set, but had to give in in the end.
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Immediately afterwards, Thiem praised his opponent (“had a very, very good start to the season”) and pointed out on his own account that the switch from Madrid to Rome (“completely different conditions, sea level, different sand”) had problems at its timing.
Thiem with good memories against Sonego
But good. Thiem was behind with set and break, then won 3: 6, 7: 6 (5) and 6: 0. In the round of 16 on Thursday (live on Sky and in our live ticker) it is now against Lorenzo Sonego, of whom Thiem has fond memories of his own admission: In 2019 in Kitzbühel he played the Italian in the semi-finals, not only this but also the following match against Albert Ramos-Vinolas and won a tournament in Austria for the first time.
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In his second match, Sonego put compatriot Gianluca Mager in their place with 6: 4 and 6: 4, before winning against Gael Monfils, the protégé of Thiem's ex-coach Günter Bresnik. Sonego is not the hottest Italian iron in the fire, but certainly a dangerous opponent for Dominic Thiem.
Especially since from Thursday 25 percent of the usual capacity of the audience in the Foro Italico will be allowed again. A view that also delights Dominic Thiem. Who once - after his defeat by Juan Martin del Potro at the US Open 2017 - said that he would rather play in a full stadium against him than in front of empty stands. This should be possible tomorrow. unless the weather quickly plays a trick on the athletes and fans.
Here the single tableau in Rome
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