Dominic Thiem Contradicts Rafael Nadal, Says ‘Conditions Are Comfortable’ at French Open 2020
Follow Us
Things seem to be falling perfectly in place for Dominic Thiem these days. While most players are struggling with the unusual conditions and experience of playing at the French Open 2020, the reigning US Open champion ‘loves the conditions’ this year. 12-time champion Rafael Nadal, himself has been vocal about unfavorable conditions.
The Austrian star opened up on how he is adjusting to playing in a lot cooler conditions at Roland Garros this year. For Thiem, he has been playing in such weather and temperatures all his life. That was quite evident in his comfortable first-round win at the French Open 2020 over a tough opponent like Marin Cilic.
“I love the conditions, because, well, I’m from Austria. So I know how it is to play in these cold conditions. Back in juniors and when I started to play Futures, it was always like that. 10-15 degrees, cold,” Thiem said after his match on Monday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dominic Thiem is back to ‘feel good’ surface
The two-time French Open finalist – in the last two years – made his mark on other surfaces as well as proved by his US Open win. However, clay has always been Thiem’s forte and his past results have shown that. The lesser pace of the game on clay helps him use one of his best weapons – the return of serve – to good effect.
“So I love it when it’s not too fast. I can be a little bit behind the baseline, make a lot of returns in court,” Thiem said further.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival
April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT
‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence
February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST
Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance
April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Watching on loop all day long… @ThiemDomi #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/y2mHN3Xrj7
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 28, 2020
Thiem is ready for the road ahead
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
There were doubts about his mental and physical preparedness for the French Open, coming on the back of his maiden Grand Slam win just two weeks ago. That too, on a completely different surface. But Thiem erased all those doubts.
“I feel well and I felt well from the first moment I came here again this year. So I’m looking forward to an exciting second round,” the 27-year-old said.
Thiem looked solid and ready for the big points in his match against a fellow Grand Slam champion. He won 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, and fended off every challenge thrown at him. The world number three now faces American Jack Sock in the next round.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The confidence Thiem is exuding makes things very interesting going ahead in the tournament. He is slated to meet Rafael Nadal in the semi-final.