Dominic Thiem: “I will do anything to make my dream come true”

Dominic Thiem is achieving the greatest success of his career so far.

The 27-year-old Austrian will fight on Sunday (starting at 10pm LIVE ticker and on ServusTV) in his first US Open final, his fourth grand final, against Alexander Zverev (GER-5) to make his dream come true.

“I am enjoying it now, but I know there is a very high obstacle waiting for Sunday. I will do my best to make my dream come true,” Thiem said before the final at Flushing Meadows.

In the interview, Thiem also talks about his big important stats, his final opponent Alexander Zverev and the possible fulfillment of his dream on hard court, of all places. He also talks about the lack of fans and atmosphere and the special importance of a title in these circumstances as well as a change in his game since the end of 2019.

Question: 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: Now, I wouldn’t say it’s a huge benefit. It’s an incredibly strong stat, it’s great, but it won’t really help me. Because we are both going to feel a lot of pressure on Sunday. It’s a great opportunity for both of us. We both did everything we could to make sure we were in a position to win our first big title. By the time I step onto the court, I certainly won’t lose any more thoughts that this is my fourth final and that I played very well in all the Grand Slams, but will focus all my attention on making the match that way. dispute as best as possible.

Question: 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?

“I think my game changed a bit at the end of last year. I’m not saying that I feel more comfortable on a hard court, but at least immediately. I have seen that the surface adapts to my game perhaps more than the sand and I feel very okay with that. “

Thiem: I’d say this year’s title with all its side effects is a real test for everyone. With the “bubble” and all, it’s worth a lot. Getting here is perhaps even a mentally stronger achievement than when everything was normal. It pushes everyone a little to the limit plus all the stress that you already have due to the games. In addition to the lack of energy from the audience, 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 hard court, but at least I feel more comfortable. I have seen that the surface is sometimes more suited to my game than the sand and I feel very good on it.

Question: 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?

Thiem: Of course I am satisfied with the statement, I can only return it. I have also played my best tennis and the games are always on edge, no matter who for whom. If he wins the second or third set, things are very different. These are those great games against the best players, where some little things decide, the daily constitution decides. I think we both played tennis very well and fortunately this time it worked out for me. And I also draw a lot of energy. I am very happy at the moment, of course, I play very well, I feel very good physically, except for the small moment of shock, which should actually be fine until Sunday. I’m enjoying it now, but I know that a very high obstacle awaits us on Sunday. I will do my best to make the big dream come true.

Question: So far you’ve made a sentence, Zverev six: Can that play a role?

Thiem: Maybe, but it’s in top shape when you look at it. Incredibly well trained, incredible stamina. I hope he is in top form on Sunday and I know for myself that in a Grand Slam final the tension and emotions are so high that you don’t feel tired. From that point of view, I’d say we’re both going one hundred percent.

Question: The fact that you and Zverev are going for their first big title: will that be a big factor in the final?

Thiem: That will definitely be a factor. I think it’s 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 to me will be the return of your service because your first service is one of the best, if not the best, out there right now. “

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Thiem after Medvedev: “It was one of my best matches!”

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