US Open: Dominic Thiem before the final against Alexander Zverev - "It's a huge opportunity for both of us"
Before the US Open final against Alexander Zverev (Sunday, 10 p.m. CEST, live on Eurosport and in Austria on ServusTV and in our live ticker), Dominic Thiem knows about the great chance of his first Grand Slam title.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Sep 12, 2020, 10:52 pm
When Dominic Thiem enters the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday shortly after 4:00 p.m. local time, a premiere awaits the Austrian: For the first time in his career, the 27-year-old will go to a Grand Slam final as a favorite, in the previous one Thiem faced three attempts with Rafael Nadal (French Open 2018 and 2019) and Novak Djokovic (Australian Open 2020), the big dominator of the tournament.
This will not be the case against Alexander Zverev. At this year's US Open, Thiem has so far played more convincingly, more aggressively and tactically smarter than the German - simply better. But a finale has - as the saying goes - its own rules. The Lower Austrian knows that too: "I think it's a lot of pressure for both of us. We've both been working very hard for a very long time to get this title."
The fact that Zverev is in his first major final in New York is not necessarily decisive for Thiem: "I would not say now that it is a great advantage. It is a huge opportunity for both of us. We both did everything to ensure that we are in the situation of winning the first really big title. The moment I step on the pitch, I will certainly not waste any more thought that this is now my fourth final and that I am really good at all of the Grand Slams I've played, but focus all my attention on getting the best out of the match. "
Stober gives the all-clear
Tactically, one can assume a similar orientation as in the gala performance against Daniil Medvedev : a lot of slice with the backhand, even more spin with the forehand. In addition, the return will be a decisive factor in the serve strength of the native hamburger. "The most important key for me will be the return of his serve, because his first service is currently one of the best, if not the best, out there," said Thiem.
His fans don't have to worry that Thiem will not go into the final one hundred percent fit - after the tie-break of the second set against Medvedev, the Austrian had to have his Achilles tendon treated. "After the first examination it's not as bad as it might have looked. We'll definitely get that by Sunday. Domi will be fully there and ready to play," said physiotherapist Alex Stober the all-clear.
In view of the course of the tournament, Thiem could even physically have a small advantage over his opponent. So far, the Lichtenwörther has only given a set against Marin Cilic, Zverev, on the other hand, lost six rounds and had to make up a 2-0 set deficit in the semifinals against Pablo Carreno Busta .
Thiem is bursting with self-confidence
But Thiem assumes that both players can physically draw on the full: "He's in top shape when you look at him. Incredibly well trained, incredible endurance - I expect him to be in top shape on Sunday and I know from myself that in one of them Grand Slam final just the tension, the emotions are so high that you don't feel the tiredness. So I would say that we both go one hundred percent. "
In addition to its outstanding shape, the direct comparison speaks for Thiem. The 27-year-old won seven of the nine matches played, and the last one to date in the semi-finals of the Australian Open went to third in the world. Accordingly, Thiem is going into the fourth Grand Slam final of his career with confidence: "I play very well and I feel very good physically. I will do everything to make my dream come true."