Dominic Thiem and Lili: "We get along well, private life remains private"
Dominic Thiem has made his relationship with Lili Paul-Roncalli public, as is customary today - via Instagram. But it should stay that way.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jan 15, 2021, 01:01 pm
He would have "never thought that my posted picture with Lili on Instagram would make such waves," wrote Thiem on his website . Interview requests were received from Germany and Austria within a few hours, and he rejected all of them. His private life should remain private. But at least: "Lili and I met for the first time in Vienna. We get on well, we can laugh a lot and so far we have enjoyed the few days we spent together."
Well, so far, so factual - the little heart in the joint photo should nevertheless indicate something more than a mere "understand well". We are excited.
# IMG2 #
Thiem wants second Grand Slam title
However, Thiem also gave an insight into his thoughts on the topic of the Australian Open - and reminisced. In 2014, he celebrated his Grand Slam debut in Melbourne, after successfully qualifying, in round 2 against Kevin Anderson it was over. Last year's tournament also played a major role, of course. "After victories over Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev, I reached my third major final in“ Down Under ”in 2020, the lost final against Novak Djokovic was an epic fight for me." Which in the end was lost in five sets despite good chances.
As for the near future and its expectations? "First I work in Adelaide at the camp with Novak and" Rafa "on the fine-tuning of tennis, at the ATP Cup I want to gain confidence for the Grand Slam," said the world number three, who with Dennis Novak also has his best friend as a training partner Has.
At the start he had to be "100 percent there", said Thiem, after his triumph at the US Open 2020 he apparently smelled a fuse. "Last year I definitely proved that the conditions in Melbourne are right for me. My wish for 2021 is of course a second major title."