“Tried to Copy His Style”: Dominic Thiem Opens up on the Influence of Roger Federer During Early Playing Days

Having stepped out for the remainder of the season as a result of a right wrist injury he suffered while playing against Adrian Mannarino at the grass-court event in Mallorca, Dominic Thiem has been actively following the sport and sharing this thoughts.

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During the US Open fortnight, the Austrian was present on Tennis Channel and Eurosport, sharing thoughts on several important matches, including both the men’s and women’s singles finals.

After a heart-breaking loss for Novak Djokovic in the final against Daniil Medvedev, Thiem praised the Russian but remained highly optimistic over Djokovic as he believed that the Serb will bounce back stronger than ever in the Australian Open next year.

Dominic Thiem talks about Roger Federer in a recent interview

Recently in an interview after the US Open final, the Austrian talked about the influence of Roger Federer during his early days as an aspiring tennis player.

“Maybe, playing wise, he was the biggest inspiration. Obviously, because of the one-handed backhand. Because he is the only one of those three who has a one-handed backhand. So, I tried to copy his style a little bit, of course”, said Thiem.

Also, the Austrian shared his experience of playing in a practice session with him.

“He killed me” – Thiem reflects on his first tour-level match against Federer

“Then I had this first practice with him. I was so nervous. And I think everybody can see that in the interview I gave after. The first time I played against him in a match, he killed me. It was not nice”, continued the Austrian.

The 2020 US Open champion also talked about the experience of beating him in the final of Indian Wells Masters a couple of years ago.

“First time beating him, and then beating him also in very important matches like Indian wells was great. But, as well as spending time with him, and then talking to him, to such a legend, not only on-court but also off-court. It gave me many many great experiences”, Thiem concluded.

With both Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem out for the rest of the ATP season, it will be interesting to see the two of them battle against each other in the Australian Open next year.

Also read: “Best in the History”: Dominic Thiem Gives GOAT Verdict After Novak Djokovic’s US Open Loss to Daniil Medvedev