Australian Open draw: Dominic Thiem opens against Adrian Mannarino, possible quarter-final duel with Rafael Nadal
The draw for the first Grand Slam of the year took place on Thursday. Dominic Thiem meets Adrian Mannarino in the first round. In the quarter-finals there could be a crash against Rafael Nadal.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jan 16, 2020, 08:45 am
The drawing of the first Grand Slam of the year and the answer to the question who Dominic Thiem will face down under were eagerly awaited.
1st round: Adrian Mannarino
In the first round, Dominic Thiem and Andrian Mannarino deal. The Austrian was able to win all seven previous duels. Already in 2018, Thiem met the French at the Australian Open and won three sets. There would have been much worse start-ups for the Lichtenwörther.
2nd round: Alex Bolt or Albert Ramos-Vinolas
In the second round, Thiem meets either the Australian Alex Bolt or the Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas. Thiem has had the upper hand twice against the experienced Ramos-Vinolas in three duels, against the Australian there has been no clash on the ATP Tour.
3rd round: Taylor Fritz or Kevin Anderson
In round two it could be much more difficult for Dominic Thiem. Taylor Fritz and Kevin Anderson are two seasoned players on the tour. Kevin Anderson was able to advance to fifth place in the world rankings and presented himself again in dazzling shape after his injury break at the ATP Cup. Taylor Fritz, however, won the last duel with Dominic Thiem at the Laver Cup.
Round of 16: Gael Monfils or Felix Auger-Alliasime
After the difficult draw for the second round, things look much better in round three. With Gael Monfils or Felix Auger-Aliasime, two opponents are waiting for the Austrian. Thiem is unbeaten in five duels against the French. With the young Canadian, however, it could come to the first encounter.
Quarter-finals: Nadal, Khachanov or Kyrgios
Last year, Dominic Thiem's Australian Open was anything but as desired. Weakened by health problems, the Lichtenwörther had to give up against Alexei Popyrin in round two. The positive thing about it: The 26-year-old has hardly any points to defend and can make up a lot of ground in the world rankings for the top four.
Daniil Medvedev, in particular, is within reach for Dominic Thiem and has to defend far more points than the Austrian thanks to his knockout stage last year. First and foremost, the 26-year-old will be doing well - and maybe even the first triumph at major level.
The draw should not be a disadvantage for Dominic Thiem in this project.
Otherwise, the draw promises a lot of excitement. Here we have summarized the paths of the top players and have a look at the most promising first round matches .
laverarena