Current World Number Three Dominic Thiem is all set to be back on the court with the US Open at the end of this month. Like many other tennis players, this is the first time Dominic was forced out of a tournament, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic rampaging throughout the world. However, his coach and former World Number Nine Nicolas Massu is confident of Thiem’s performance.
Dominic Thiem “looks strong” before US Open
In a recent interview with ATP, Massu revealed that throughout the lockdown, Dominic stayed with his father Wolfgang and practiced. Thiem and Massu communicated regularly. The pair traveled to some exhibition matches together in June before taking a break. However, the two have started working together again this week.
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When asked about the impromptu five-month hiatus from tennis, Massu said that Thiem was doing fine in terms of the game, thanks to the exhibition matches. He said, “Dominic played 28 matches in 45 days. I know they’re just exhibitions, but they were serious matches and the level from the players was very high. Of course, it’s not the same thing as tournaments on the ATP Tour. The reason it’s a Grand Slam or an ATP Masters 1000 is because all the best players will be there. But we tried to make him play many matches during this time so he doesn’t feel the impact as much.”
He further insisted that the Austrian is hungrier than ever before, claiming, “He’s playing well, looks strong and is really focussed. He has even more motivation now because he’s used to a busy calendar with a lot of tournaments in a normal season.”
When asked what has improved about Thiem’s game, Massu said that they believe in growing with each day. Thiem is a good listener and equally hardworking. As a coach, Massu seems to be very impressed with him.
Last year, Nicolas helped Thiem in his quest to conquer the hardcourt. Within one month of working together, Thiem had won his first ATP Masters 1000 title. He defeated Federer and reached the finals in the Australian Open.
Dominic Thiem is yet to win his first Grand Slam. Massu seems confident that Thiem could do it at the upcoming US Open.
