[ad_1]
Dominic Thiem talks about his big important stats, his final opponent Alexander Zverev and the possible fulfillment of his dream on hard court, of all places.
9:20 am, September 12, 2020
After reaching the final of the US Open, Dominic Thiem on Saturday, shortly after midnight local time, via videoconference with the media, most of whom were not present due to the crown crisis.
You are now in the final for the fourth time in nine Grand Slam tournaments. Is this experience against Zverev (for the first time in a grand final, note) is a big advantage for you?
DOMINIC THIEM: “I wouldn’t say now that it’s a huge advantage. It’s an incredibly strong stat, it’s sensational, but it won’t really help me. Because we’re both going to feel a lot of pressure on Sunday. It’s one for both of us. We both did everything we could to make sure we were fit. to win the first big title. The moment I enter the field, I will no longer lose the idea that this is my fourth final. It is and I played very well in all the Grand Slams, but concentrate all my attention on making the match come out as well as possible. “
They also had Achilles tendon concerns in the semifinals. Will your physio Alex Stober still have a lot to do today?
HE: “He has a lot to do every day for me to recover in a smart way (smiles). But it was actually good in the third sentence, let’s see how he is after treatment and what it will be like tomorrow when all the adrenaline rises.” But I think it shouldn’t be that bad I slipped at one stop and stretched a bit, similar to my time in Indian Wells, but thankfully not as much. I have no pain now, what is a good sign. Alex will do a great job and then with all the tension, the adrenaline that will come back in the final on Sunday, it will be good, I think. “
I have always played the best tennis in very difficult situations.
Dominic Thiem
How important was it to you to win the semifinals in three sets?
HE: “For me the match was actually at eye level. It was a weird situation with the challenge in the first set. I have no idea if the ball was good or out. Where was it briefly out of the match. Those were in actually the only two games he gave me carelessly. Then it was a very good match at a high level and luckily I played my best tennis towards the end of the set, especially the games where he served on the set. Plus one great key game at 5: 5 in the second set, where I defend very well from five breakballs and then I play both tiebreakers very well. I always played the best tennis in very difficult situations. “
What would a title mean to you, especially in New York, also considering that you have always dreamed of your first Grand Slam victory at Roland Garros?
HE: “I’d say this year’s title with all the side effects is really a test for everyone. With the ‘bubble’ and everything else, it’s worth a lot. Getting here is perhaps a mentally stronger achievement than anything else. It was normal. It pushes everyone to the limit plus all the stress you already have from the matches. Plus the lack of energy from the spectators, the lack of atmosphere, so the title will mean a lot to one of us. I think, My game changed. a bit late last year. I’m not saying that I feel more comfortable on the hard court, but at least immediately. I’ve seen that the surface is sometimes even more suitable for my game than sand and I feel like I’m super comfortable. “
Medvedev said that you played like a true champion. What do you think of that and how much energy do you get out of this game for the final?
HE: “I’m happy with the statement, of course, I can only return it. I have played my best tennis and the games are always on edge, no matter for whom. If you win the second or third set, things look completely different. These are those. important matches against the best players, where a few little things decide, the condition of the day decides. I think we both played very good tennis and luckily it was over for me today. And I also draw a lot of energy. I’m very happy right now. Of course, I play very well, I feel very good physically, except for the little moment of shock, which should be fine until Sunday. I am enjoying it now, but I know there is a very high obstacle waiting for Sunday. I will do everything for it that I will fulfill my big dream “.
I know for myself that in a Grand Slam final the tension and emotions are so high that you don’t feel tired.
Dominic Thiem
So far you’ve made a sentence, Zverev six: Can that play a role?
HE: “Maybe, but he’s in top form when you look at him. Incredibly well trained, incredible stamina. I hope he is in top form on Sunday and I know for myself that the tension and emotions are so high in a Grand Slam final.” is that you do not feel fatigue. From that point of view, I would say that we are both going one hundred percent. “
The fact that you and Zverev are going for their first big title: will that be a big factor in the final?
HE: “That will definitely be a factor. I think it is a lot of pressure for both of us. We have both worked very hard for a long time to get this title. One of us will do it on Sunday. The most important key for me will be the return of his service. because his first serve is one of the best, if not the best, out there right now. “
