World No. 3 Austria’s Dominic Thiem has his tennis schedule for 2021 starting from February 1. He will be competing in the ATP Cup first and then will charge forward to the Australian Open.

Unlike a normal tennis year, the players received more off-time due to the delay of the Australian Summer Events. Thiem took advantage of the opportunity and has been training relentlessly for six weeks.

As per the protocols, the 27-year-old will travel to Australia in the next week. But because he is a top-three player, the Austrian will quarantine for two-weeks in Adelaide instead of Melbourne.

Read More: Dominic Thiem Reveals How His Training Went During the Unexpected Extended Off-Season

Manager of Dominic Thiem opens up about the Adelaide situation

Considering that Melbourne Park will be close-fitted with players around the world, the organizers shifted the Top 3 to Adelaide. The manager of Thiem, Herwig Straka, evaluated the pros and cons of the decision.

“You have advantages and disadvantages,” Herwig said. “You have fewer problems with the seats, you have a little more freedom because there are fewer people there.” (Quotes are translated from German to English via Google Translate)

Having said that, Thiem will travel 650 kilometers to the tournament location after the two-week quarantine. Consequently, the Austrian will also have to blend in Melbourne Park.

However, Straka believes that Adelaide will give Dominic more room to train. He will, therefore, find the transition smoother, as he will be confident.

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“On the other hand, you first have to adjust to the conditions in Melbourne. But for training, it’s probably better in Adelaide because it’s less busy,” said the manager of World No.3.

Importance of Australian Open for Thiem

For every tennis player, the Grand Slam tournaments are the most important ones of the season. And because the Austrian won his maiden Slam only last year, he will have the momentum to build on his final showing from last season.

Last year, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic denied him the trophy to claim his record 8 title.

Therefore, it will be a crucial year for the 27-year-old to stay at the top of his game. His victory at the ‘Happy Slam’ will certify that he is ready to dethrone the Big Three. Do you think Thiem will win the Australian Open?

Also Read: One Big 4 Record That Dominic Thiem Can Break This Year