"It has been like this for the past three or four years. That is why I am not worried," said the world ranking night who does not like the dry heat so much: "I like it more when it is damp and I can sweat." Like the US Open for example.

The defeats are not so meaningful

Temperatures of up to 34 degrees are predicted for Tuesday, when Thiem has to face Benoit Paire (France) in his opening match in the night session. But the French Open finalist of 2018 does not want to worry about it any more than about his four failures in the first four matches at the beginning of the year.

Nevertheless, on Saturday in Interview Room 3 Thiem did not talk long around the bush and spoke of a "bad start to the season".

However, after his three defeats at the invitation tournament in Abu Dhabi and the subsequent kick-off in Doha, he also put it into perspective: "I've never played really well at exhibitions, so it wasn't really meaningful."

"I normally know that I've played well with most Grand Slams lately. That gives me a certain amount of security."

Thiem believes that the lack of success will have "no great impact" on his performance in the first major in 2018. The Lichtenwörther wants to rely on the flair that inspires him on these special stages in the tennis universe.

"I normally know that I've played well with most Grand Slams lately. That gives me a certain amount of security. I have a lot of confidence when it comes to the big tournaments," he emphasized The start of the "Happy Slam" at the Yarra can hardly wait. And: "The best-of-five mode suits me too."

The Benoit Paire surprise bag is waiting for the start

Of course, Thiem knows that with Paire a real surprise bag is waiting for him. "An uncomfortable first round. It won't give me much rhythm," the favorite said.

The unpredictability of the world rankings-55. the Austrian describes it like this: "He sometimes gives away, then he is fully there again. Then he chops a racket, then he fights again." You never know what to do against the world rankings 55. expected from Avignon. By the way, also in terms of hairstyle and coloring.

"We would both be happy if it came to that" Dominic Thiem about the chance to meet Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals

But Thiem takes a responsibility. "I should be so experienced that I can concentrate on myself there." Of course, "Domi" has the draw in mind - and he's also one of the few professionals who admit it.

Thiem vs Zverev possible in the quarterfinals

A duel with Alexander Zverev could wait in the quarterfinals of Melbourne. "We would both be happy," said Thiem, "if that happens, but it will be a long time until then. A lot can happen."

He is tackling the Australian Open 2019 mission with an innovation. As always in the off season, Thiem "tried out a bit" and plays completely with an artificial string.

"However, I can switch back to the usual model at any time - even in a match," he said, who played darts twice when he arrived in Melbourne.

Thiem still looks a little wistfully towards home - or should one say: towards the winter wonderland. "I am very sad that I am not in Austria, I like the snow and the cold. And I was never lucky that I was home and it was snowing so much." All that remains is a look at the Internet.