Dominic Thiem works on the physique - Alexander Zverev profiteer of the corona crisis?
Dominic Thiem used the current tournament break on the ATP tour for targeted training. The current number three in the world moved its base to a tennis facility in the south of Vienna and is preparing for the Generali Austrian Pro Series in the south of Vienna.
by Lukas Zahrer
last edit: May 20, 2020, 08:47 pm
"We worked on certain things," said Wolfgang Thiem on Wednesday at a media event of the Austrian Tennis Committee. The two focal points were stabilizing the backhand and network attacks. The daily workload includes a two and a half hour training on the tennis court and a conditioning session.
"The series in the southern part of the city helps because there are matches again that can be trained for," said Thiem with regard to the show event starting next Monday.
Dominic Thiem, Dennis Novak and Co. used the break to work on physical deficits. This is not possible during a season due to the tight tournament calendar.
Wolfgang Thiem: "Alexander Zverev determined"
Thiem senior considers the effects of the Corona mandatory break on the balance of power on the ATP tour to be minimal. "It will probably not change much," he said, but admitted: "If someone is sloppy, they may be left behind."
And further: “It could be an advantage for players like Nadal, Federer and Djokovic, because they have had longer injuries and know how to deal with it. Young players like Jannik Sinner need matches. It's mentally difficult for everyone because they don't know when to start. ”
Thiem named Alexander Zverev as a possible beneficiary of the current phase. “Zverev is someone who is sure to do an incredible amount and is determined. It could catch up - especially in the physical area. That's why we at Dominic and Dennis are looking to work specifically in this aspect too. ”
Novak relies, among other things, on the expertise of Gebhard Gritsch , the former fitness coach of Novak Djokovic. Dominic Thiem currently has to do without the services of physiotherapist Alex Stober. Like touring coach Nicolas Massu, the German may not enter Austria. Travel restrictions with Germany are to be lifted in mid-June. Massu believes he can travel to his protégé in mid-July.
The ATP tour was interrupted in mid-March and will definitely not start operating again before August. "Personally, I can imagine that if the clay court tournaments are not played in September, the whole season will blow off and will only really start again in Australia in January," said Wolfgang Thiem.