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Dominic Thiem knows before the US Open final against Alexander Zverev (Sunday, 10pm CEST, live on Eurosport and in Austria on ServusTV and on our live ticker) for the big shot at your first Grand Slam title.
by Nikolaus Fink
Last edit: September 12, 2020, 10:52 pm
© Getty Images
When Dominic Thiem enters Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday shortly after 4:00 pm local time, a premiere awaits the Austrian: for the first time in his career, the 27-year-old will go to a Grand Slam final as a favorite, in the previous one. Thiem faced three attempts with Rafael Nadal (French Open 2018 and 2019) and Novak Djokovic (Australian Open 2020), the great dominator of the tournament.
This will not be the case against Alexander Zverev. Thiem has so far played more convincingly, more aggressively and tactically smarter than the German at this year’s US Open – just better. But an ending has, as the saying goes, its own rules. The one from Lower Austria knows it too: “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.”
The fact that Zverev is in his first big final in New York is not necessarily decisive for Thiem: “I would not say now that it is a great advantage. It is a great opportunity for both of us. We both did everything we could to make sure we are in. the situation of winning the first really great title. The moment I step onto the field, I certainly won’t lose any more thoughts that this is my fourth final and that I’m very good at all the Grand Slams. I’ve played, but center all my focus on getting the best out of the game. “
Stober gives the go-ahead
Tactically, a similar orientation to that of the gala performance against Daniil Medvedev can be assumed: a lot of cut with the backhand, even more effects with the forehand. In addition, the return will be a decisive factor in the strength of the service of the native burger. “The most important key for me will be the return of your serve, because your first serve is currently one of the best, if not the best,” Thiem said.
His fans do not have to worry that Thiem will not enter the last one hundred percent adjustment: after the second-set tie-break against Medvedev, the Austrian had to undergo an Achilles tendon treatment. “After the first exam it’s not as bad as it might have seemed. We will definitely make it by Sunday. Domi will be completely there and ready to play,” said physical therapist Alex Stober.
In view of the course of the tournament, Thiem might even have a small physical advantage over his opponent. So far, Lichtenwörther has only given up one set to Marin Cilic, however Zverev lost six rounds and had to regain a 2-0 set in the semifinals against Pablo Carreño Busta.
Thiem exudes self-confidence
But Thiem assumes both players can make the most of physically: “He’s in top shape when you look at him. Incredibly well trained, incredible stamina. I hope he’s in top form on Sunday and I know for myself that in a Grand Slam final. just the tension, the emotions are so high that you don’t feel the tiredness. So I would say that we are both going one hundred percent. “
In addition to its exceptional shape, the direct comparison also speaks for Thiem. The 27-year-old won seven of the nine matches he had played, with the last to date in the Australian Open semi-finals going to third place in the world. Consequently, Thiem goes to the fourth Grand Slam final of his career with confidence: “I play very well and feel very good physically. I will do my best to make my big dream come true.”
Here’s the single draw at the 2020 US Open
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