Dominic Thiem: "My goal is to win the tournament"
Dominic Thiem is back in Paris. After losing the final against Rafael Nadal last year, the 25-year-old Austrian wants to celebrate his first Grand Slam triumph this year. A balanced clay court season so far makes the circle of potential winners in the French capital appear larger than it has been for a long time.
by Florian Heer
last edit: May 24, 2019, 09:13 pm
By Florian Heer from Paris
Thiem has already won two trophies on the ATP tour this season. After the Masters success in Indian Wells, he also left the tournament in Barcelona as a champion.
“I really enjoyed the victory in Barcelona. Madrid was okay and Rome wasn't like that anymore, ”Thiem summarizes his last clay court tournaments on Roland Garros Media Day. The current number four in the world decided not to start a tournament in the week before Paris in 2019 and - well rested - has set itself ambitious goals.
Tournament victory as a goal
“I've played well here for the past three years. Last year it even went to the final, which was a special experience. I also learned to save energy in order to be able to reach my best level at the end of the two weeks. This was not the case with me last year and I want to do better now. My goal is to win the tournament, ”says the 13-time ATP tournament winner.
Nadal is the big favorite.
Dominic Thiem
“Nadal is the big favorite. Djokovic and Federer are always up front. Tsitsipas is also playing very well at the moment, ”says Thiem, indicating the wider circle of favorites for the title win.
# BETATHOMEFOWIN #
Alexander Zverev also plays a role in his considerations. "I don't underestimate Sascha. He just played a lot better this week. Perhaps it will also benefit him, because of his not particularly good results in the run-up to the tournament, not to feel the very big pressure this year. In general, I think it will be more exciting and more winners are possible than in previous years. "
Tommy Paul at the start
Thiem, number four, will meet the American Tommy Paul, number 136 in the ATP world rankings, in the first round on Monday at the earliest. “The level in men's tennis is really high. It will be really difficult right from the start, ”says Thiem.
“I know Tommy and have seen a few matches from him, but only on hard courts. He is now close to his personal career high ranking again. It will certainly not be easy against him. ”The two will meet for the first time.
Love for complain and calm in the environment
Thiem mainly trained on the Suzanne Lenglen court in Paris and maintains a special relationship with the second largest course in the Stade Roland-Garros. "I love this court," said Thiem. "If I could choose where I could play the only match of my life, it would be the Lenglen."
Win with ComeOn! a signed racket by Dominic Thiem
Nevertheless, after the separation from Günter Bresnik, there were also some side war scenes for the Austrian . When asked about any calm around him, Thiem replied: “I am very happy that the situation with the management has been resolved before such a big tournament. The whole thing didn't bother me or stress my head. Still, there was a lot to do. After long tournament trips, I still had to work through a lot of things that I can hand in again today. I am pleased that everything is now in a good and professional position. "
Finally, there was a special encounter in the corridor in front of the press room. Thiem left him, his girlfriend Kristina Mladenovic was on the way in. There was still time for a short hug and a kiss.