Nicolas Massu Says Dominic Thiem Has the Skills to Outshine the Big 3

2020 was another enormous step up for World No.3 Dominic Thiem. He reached two Grand Slam finals, winning one and almost toppling Novak Djokovic at the 2020 Australian Open final. With these performances, he is coming closer to the elite trio of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

In a recent interview, Thiem’s coach Nicolás Massú was optimistic about getting more out of his prodigy. He further announced that Thiem is the only one who can compete with the ‘big 3’.

“It will always be difficult to play against the best in history, but if there is anyone who can compete equally with them it is Dominic.” 

Improvement in Dominic Thiem in 2020

He also spoke about Thiem’s increased pedigree on different surfaces. Thiem used to have troubles on the hard court, but this year he reached the finals of both the hard court Grand Slams. Moreover, he reached the finals of the ATP Finals as well.

“He is very complete: he plays well on all surfaces, he has a great serve, forehand, backhand, he moves well. He has the talent to do things much better than you think.”

Nicolas Massu talks about Dominic Thiem’s consistent performances

Further, Massu highlighted the jump up in Thiem’s game from 2019 to 2020. Although Thiem didn’t win the same five titles he won in 2019, he became a Grand Slam champion by winning the US Open 2020. On the ranking front, he is now third and very close to the 2nd rank Rafa Nadal.

“The level of consistency Thiem has had in the last two years is spectacular. The 2019 finished 4 and it was already difficult to overcome what he had done: he won 5 tournaments in the year, Grand Slam finalist.

“It was super complex to do a better year and with few tournaments he did it: he finished 3, winning his first Grand Slam and winning on surfaces where previously the results were not the same as on clay.”

Thiem and his team will be happy that the Austrian’s Grand Slam final hoodoo has ended. Prior to winning the US Open 2020, Thiem had lost three Majors finals. He is stepping up and if he gets hold of his nerves, then he can surely win more.

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