via Reuters
Austria’s Dominic Thiem reacts during his final match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Toby Melville
via Reuters
Austria’s Dominic Thiem reacts during his final match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Toby Melville
World No. 3 Dominic Thiem separated himself from the crowd with his explosive 2020 season. The Austrian qualified for two consecutive Grand Slam finals – Australian Open and US Open, and won the latter title. Even though he didn’t win as much as others, Sky Expert Patrik Kühnen chooses him as the season’s best player.
Dominic competed in his second straight finals in London, failing to Stefanos Tsitsipas first and now Daniil Medvedev. However, his semi-final win against World No.1 Novak Djokovic showed a glimpse of his greatness. The 27-year old, all in all, produced many overpowered tennis encounters this year.
“This year was outstanding for Dominic Thiem”: Former German Tennis star
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Dominic Thiem of Austria shakes hands with Alexander Zverev of Germany after winning their Men’s Singles final match on Day Fourteen of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 13, 2020, in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Along with his title loss against Novak in Australia, his semi-final battle in France versus Diego Schwartzman exhibited pure excellence. Both the matches concluded in the 5 set, and Thiem couldn’t get the better of them.
On the other side, in New York, Thiem recovered two sets against Alexander Zverev and won his maiden Grand Slam. This influenced the sky expert Patrik to favor Thiem among the bunch of other superior talents. “His win at the US Open this year was outstanding for him, a milestone in his career. That was crucial for me,” said Patrik Kühnen
The Austrian is the second player to have won at least 5 times against Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. With his aggressive yet smooth style of play, experts count on him as the most promising successor of the Big Three.
“For me, Thiem is the player of the year 2020”: Patrik
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Dominic Thiem of Austria celebrates his 7-5 7-5 over Roger Federer of Switzerland during Day one of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on November 10, 2019, in London, England. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
Parallel to his unwavering game sense is his absolute sportsmanship. His fellow opponents and experts sing praises of the US Open champion.
“For me, Thiem is the player of the year 2020,” said the former Wimbledon quarterfinalist. He reasoned his decision, “The way in which he plays and how he appears.” Most of the tennis experts and fans will agree with him without any hesitation.
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Austrian’s goals for next year are clear as he aims to rank up and attain the top spot. Having said that, it won’t be a walk in the park to make the summit, but Thiem can certainly do it.
Also Read: “Want to Climb up the Rankings”: Dominic Thiem Eyeing World No.1 Rank after ATP Finals Defeat
