ATP Munich: (Also) The sun could shine for Dominic Thiem from Wednesday
Dominic Thiem has already started his preparation for the ATP Tour 250 tournament in Munich at the MTTC Iphitos. The draw meant well for the Austrian number one.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Apr 15, 2023, 06:13 pm
By Jens Huiber from Munich
For the charming tour group from South Tyrol, led by Eurosport presenter Birgit Nössing, the visit to the MTTC Iphitos was worth it shortly after Saturday noon: A photo together with Dominic Thiem after his training - what else can come for tennis-loving women in their prime? But the South Tyrolean as such also knows: There is no such thing as bad weather. Just bad clothes.
Because that will be the big topic in the coming days here in Munich. Brother and manager Moritz Thiem came to the Bavarian capital well prepared, namely with a hat. Dominic's friend Lili has also stored her summer clothes - if at all - in the hotel. The traditional event in Munich has always been at the mercy of an interesting constellation of dates - because at the end of April there are hardly any games in the vicinity in the near future. The new date of the event, caused by the extension of the 1000s in Madrid and Rome, has not reduced the challenges.
After all: From the middle of the week there is reason for optimism and sunshine.
Dominic Thiem with a decent lot
Dominic Thiem could then also benefit from that. Because the draw was not exactly unfriendly for the Lower Austrian. It starts against Constant Lestienne, who is about 40 positions ahead of Thiem in the ATP charts, but who is very well within the reach of the 2020 US Open champion. Especially if Dominic Thiem can follow up on his good performances in Monte Carlo against Richard Gasquet and, yes, Holger Rune.
Apropos: The Dane leads the tableau of the BMW Open 2023, a year ago tournament director Patrik Kühnen had to help him out with a wildcard. This "investment" has paid off, after all, Rune could have started in Barcelona next week.
Zverev's arrival date still uncertain
On the other hand, it has been clear for months that Alexander Zverev will open again in Munich. When exactly the German number one arrives at the Iphitos, brother Mischa did not want to give any information on Friday. Like so many other things, it depends on the weather and the training conditions.
But when Zverev is on the plant, training sessions with Dominic Thiem can definitely be expected. Because in contrast to Danill Medvedev, where the relationship status has been unclear at best since the events in Monte Carlo, Thiem and Zverev have a stable friendship. In any weather.
Here is the individual tableau in Munich
munichmap