“Not In This Tournament”: Dominic Thiem Disregards Himself as the Favorite at ATP Finals 2020

The ATP Finals 2020 is underway after much anticipation. Dominic Thiem opened his account by defeating defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas in a challenging match. Many consider Thiem to be a towering favorite in this year’s tournament. What’s his take on it? 

Dominic Thiem reached the finals of the year-end event here in London last year. The Austrian dominated the round-robin but fell short of the trophy as he lost to Tsitsipas in the final. He defeated Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic en route to the final and how much does it affect his confidence this year? 

“Honestly not in this tournament here no because I think that especially this year all eight players are in great form and are pretty much on a hot streak as well,” reacted Thiem on being called a favorite. 

“So I think besides Rafa and Novak because of all they have achieved and what they are I think they are a little bit above the other six.”

The two names Thiem mentioned needs no introduction. Djokovic is chasing his sixth ATP Finals title which would match Federer’s record, while Nadal will look to secure his maiden title to further decorate his trophy cabinet. 

Also Read: “Still Have to Face Dominic and Stefanos”: Rafael Nadal on Tough Competition at ATP Finals 2020

Dominic Thiem relies on luck to get him past the finish line? 

The beauty of the sport is that there’s always room for upsets. Likewise, the ATP Finals could always treat us to such events. Last year we saw the youngest ever champion in 18-years when Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas clinched the crown. 

Thus, there is always room for talented players to excel in this tournament and not just the Top 2. “In general, every single of the eight players can can win every match here. So I see myself just as everybody else and every match is pretty much 50-50,” added Thiem. 

Furthermore, Thiem feels luck will play a part in determining this year’s champion. There is a high amount of unpredictability running around the O2 arena, and nobody can predict the outcome until the event concludes on November 22. 

“The one who has a better day and the one who is a little bit more lucky on certain days is gonna win the matches and I think the well the one who has the best week is gonna end up winning the tournament. I couldn’t do any predictions at all,” Thiem added.

After a strong win, Dominic Thiem will now face Rafael Nadal in his next match. Both athletes have got off to a winning start and it will be interesting to see who loses their group in this epic clash! 

Also Read: “Mentally It is Tough”: Dominic Thiem on Bubble Experience at ATP Finals