“It is Tricky” – Dominic Thiem Explains His Poor Performance

The reigning Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem was stunned by World Number 128 Gianluca Mager 7-6(4),7-5 at Rio Open 2020. Their match took place on two different occasions.

The Italian qualifier led by 7-6(4), 2-1 and then the rain caused interruptions in their play. After resuming their match the next day, Mager kept his momentum unbroken. He sealed his first-ever semifinal spot in an ATP event.

Post his defeat, Thiem revealed the challenging conditions of playing in Rio. “It is tricky here too because, first of all, its always during the nights and always we are getting home late. It always finishes around three or four o’clock,” Dominic Thiem reflected.

“To play your best tennis, you need to be prepared 100 percent physically and mentally. The conditions here are not easy, the balls and the clay. It’s a little bit different than anywhere else,” he added.

Considering all the points which the Austrian raised, Rio Open is arguably one of the most difficult tournaments on the ATP Tour. “But we have to get used to it and it also makes it interesting to play here, because its always tougher than and most of the other tournaments,” he added.

“I don’t really care” – Dominic Thiem on World Number three ranking 

Moving on to the subject of ATP Rankings, Thiem’s Grand Slam breakthrough in Melbourne could have earned him a career-high ranking of World Number three. Also, the semi-final run in Rio could have earned him the same.

Now, having missed the opportunity twice, for the moment Thiem is not really bothered about turning World Number three. With World Number three Roger Federer ruling out from five ATP tournaments until June, it would consequently bolster Thiem’s world rankings.  At present Thiem sits 85 points behind Federer on the ATP roster. 

“I’m gonna be three anyway, in one week or two weeks. If it’s on Monday or in two or three weeks, I don’t really care. I’m more disappointed that I did give myself a chance to play the semifinals here. So, I don’t really care about that so much today,” Thiem said.

The three-time Grand Slam finalist Thiem will be next defending the biggest title of his career on the courts of Indian Wells, California, USA.