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“It will be a great challenge,” Djokovic told a press conference Sunday afternoon at the Wiener Stadthalle. A total of six of the top ten players are named. “It’s perhaps the strongest 500 course I’ve ever competed on.” In addition to numbers one and three, the top ten in the world rankings include Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE / 5), Daniil Medewedw (RUS / 6) and Andrej Rublew (RUS-8) and Diego Schwartzman (ARG / 9) named. Matteo Berrettini (ITA / 10) withdrew his nomination, otherwise there would be seven top ten players.
Thiem and Djokovic stressed that the event will take place at all despite the coronavirus crisis. “We have to be very grateful that we can be here, that the tournament is taking place, that 1,000 fans can be there,” said Djokovic, and Thiem added: “I’m very happy and grateful that the tournament is taking place, even before 1,000 fans. “
Djokovic in a good mood before the town hall tournament
With three Austrians and six top ten players, the ATP tournament starts on Monday at the Wiener Stadthalle. The number one of the tournament and the world, Novak Djokovic, was in a good mood on Sunday and very well prepared in all aspects.
Thiem’s single starts on Tuesday
Unlike his usual home tournament, the 27-year-old does not sleep at home this time, because he too has to stay in the “bubble” created for the tournament to protect himself from the corona virus. But that doesn’t bother him. “The hotel is amazing, the food, everything is great, great. I can easily get over the fact that I don’t sleep at home for a week, ”said the US Open winner. Ahead of his first single against Kei Nishikori (JPN) on Tuesday, the Lower Austrian will play doubles on Monday.
Press conference with Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic
The two superstars of the tournament at the Wiener Stadthalle talk about their goals in the ATP 500 event.
Tournament director Herwig Straka had turbulent weeks behind him in the organization. Even if the event will bring a big loss due to audience restrictions, it should be an investment in the future. “I am happy and proud that we can celebrate the tournament,” said the Styrian. “We have 1,000 viewers, this is one of the few countries where it is still possible.” Vice Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler (Greens) emphasized courage and determination: “These are unusual and challenging times, especially for the organizers.”
Djokovic awaits the final against Thiem
Straka and his team would probably be more rewarded with a Djokovic final against Thiem, who will not play before Tuesday, both players are striving for that. The “Djoker” expressed his respect for Thiem, a revenge for the five-set final he won at this year’s Australian Open would be to his liking. “Hopefully we have the opportunity to play against each other. But the field is very strong. “
The Serb began his first statement in very good German and promised the same for the interview after his opening match: “Maybe I’ll try to speak German after the first game.” Basically he has great memories of Vienna. “I haven’t been there since. The Stadthalle is one of the most beautiful stadiums we have in our sport. It’s one of the best scenarios in this category (ATP-500, note) “.
“The first game is always a bit critical”
That he faced fellow countryman Filip Krajinovic was a surprise. “We were training together in Belgrade two days ago,” explained the family man. “We are good friends, he is very talented. The hard court is his good surface, he can play tennis very fast. The first game is always a bit critical ”. Krajinovic inflicted one of his two sporting losses on Djokovic this year, albeit on the unofficial Adriatic tour in June.
ATP 500 tournament in Vienna
(Austria, 1,550,950 euros, indoor, hard court)
