[ad_1]
Like other opening matches at the Erste Bank Open tennis tournament, Dominic Thiem’s name has final potential. Former top ten Kei Nishikori was not only at the 2018 final in Vienna, but also at the 2014 US Open, for example. Thiem sees his conqueror at that moment, Marin Cilic, as dangerous as Nishikori. “He is definitely one of the best players of the last decade, such a player is dangerous every day,” Thiem said before Tuesday’s game (5:30 pm) against Nishikori.
Cilic recently had Thiem under control twice, both in the third round of the US Open and at the start of the French Open. The world number three has a record of 2: 3 against Nishikori: his victories come from the French Open and the World Tour final in 2018. In the middle there was a sensitive defeat by 3: 6, 1: 6 in the quarterfinals. Vienna finale, which is a finished yet another attempt by the crowd favorite to win a title in Vienna. The coup was successful the following year. Nishikori, on the other hand, is currently ranked 36th in the world rankings. Only competing on clay this year, the 30-year-old missed the “Cincinnati” event in New York and the US Open after a positive corona test.
His last hard court event so far was the 2019 US Open, after which an elbow injury knocked him out of action. Of his four tournaments in 2020, he only took one victory from Rome and Paris. Thiem is not fooled by this. “These players are always dangerous because they were in the top ten for years. These players can always play in great shape from week to week.”
“The battery is full”
But he himself is also ready. “The battery is quite charged and I have not done anything in a long time. After the last weeks I have needed time to relax and reflect,” says the local hero about his time through the “bubbles” of the Grand Slams in New York and Paris . He is known for not always starting a tournament well. “But that will be necessary. I also did it last year.” At that point, Thiem achieved a two-sentence opening win against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, probably also in the category of Cilic and Nishikori. In any case, Thiem will see that he is at 100 per cent of the starting blocks. “The most important thing is that I have been there from the beginning. I want to play my best again, to play for the title again.”
He doesn’t think Nishikori can surprise him. It is also not necessary to study the opponent much on video. “I know how he plays tough. The point is not to destroy him too much, but to fully focus on myself and act very, very well.” He’s been back in training for a week and a half and the time to look back is over. “It’s time for me to set new goals. The home tournament is perfect for that.” Of course, the memories of last year’s win are still there. “The most emotional title of my career. A childhood dream has come true. Starting as the defending champion is always special. But this year is unreal with the strong field. It is not a” Mission Impossible “, but almost”.(what art)
