“Its Not Too Big of a Deal”: Dominic Thiem on Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s Absence at US Open 2020

Dominic Thiem advanced to the second round of the US Open 2020. Thiem won the first two sets against Jaume Munar, who subsequently retired because of injury.

During the post-match conference, the World No. 3 was asked about the effect that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s absence has had on the tournament. The Austrian said that the absence of either of the players is not nice and it’s a treat to watch them compete.

The No. 2 seed added that it’s not the first time Federer and Nadal are not playing a Grand Slam and in a couple of years every major is going to be without these two iconic players.

“But I think it’s not too big of a deal because it’s not the first time in a major that these two are not playing. And in a few years it’s going to be every major without them, so I think it’s not that big of a deal,” said Thiem after winning his opening-round match at the US Open.

The 2020 Australian Open runner-up Thiem emphasized on the other talented players competing at the US Open. Thiem trivialized the matter and said, “There are still many, many super players around. So it doesn’t really matter, as it’s not the first match where they are not competing.” 

Thiem hasn’t gone beyond the quarterfinal stage at Flushing Meadows, which he reached at US Open 2018 when Nadal outlasted Thiem in an epic five-setter. Despite his opening-round loss at the Western and Southern Open 2020, Thiem is eyeing his maiden grand slam title after losing his first three Grand Slam finals.

Dominic Thiem faces Sumit Nagal in the second round

The Indian Sumit Nagal ousted Bradley Klahn to record his first-ever match victory at a Grand Slam. Dominic Thiem faces Nagal in the second round of the US Open and the duo will be playing each other for the first time.

Nagal played against Roger Federer in the opening round of the US Open last year, where he won the first set against the Swiss maestro.