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Despite a 6-2 record against his good friend on tour, the 27-year-old US Open winner is very cautious ahead of the quarter-final match. Number 14 in the world. The Argentine defeated Rafael Nadal en route to the final in Rome and is in Paris this year without losing a single set.
The fact that Thiem already has some good experiences against Schwartzman doesn’t make it easier for him to compare him to “Nobody” Gaston, Thiem confirmed. “Because of course I know that I have to run a lot against Diego again. There will definitely be very long rallies again and also few free points with my serve, because he is one of the best return players out there. “
Thiem vs. Schwartzman for a place in the semi-finals
For Dominic Thiem, the French Open match against Diego Schwartzman is all about reaching the semi-finals. It will be a special duel because the Argentine is one of Lower Austria’s best friends.
“A little to the limit”
Also, according to Thiem, it is very difficult to get free points due to the surface and the slowness. “Of course I run a bit on the edge, but the main focus now is on regeneration. And if I can regenerate well by Tuesday, then it can be a very good game again, ”said the eighth Major finalist. If unsuccessful, Schwartzman is “hard to favor.” That is why he wants to sleep well, eat well and be cared for by his physio Alex Stober.
In any case, he is confident that his protégé will recover well from the difficulties against Gaston. “Emotionally, he endured the game well,” said the German. “It was a very good test for him. And a whole new experience for all of us against a player who almost drives him to the brink of insanity. Besides the physical effort caused by the many stops, etc., it was an amazing mental struggle. But you don’t have to worry. “Physically he’s fine,” Stober said.
Very good friends
Schwartzman is one of Thiem’s favorite colleagues on tour. “We are very good friends except for the few hours that we play against each other. In tennis you don’t have to hurt yourself physically, you don’t even touch yourself, that’s very easy, “said the Lower Austrian, adding:” There is a real humiliation between us every time we see each other, including the matches against him. they are always super fair, very funny “.
Furthermore, he had already “played some great matches” against the next opponent and recalled the final in Vienna in 2019, which he won 3: 6 6: 4 6: 3.
Schwartzman believes in his opportunity
Schwartzman knows exactly how tough it will be against Thiem. “I have to do everything perfectly because he plays the best tennis of his career so far. I think after the US Open he has a lot of confidence in himself, “said the 28-year-old from Buenos Aires. Also, Thiem knows very well how to play at Roland Garros.
He himself reached the round of 16 with a smooth 6: 1 6: 3 6: 4 against Lorenzo Sonego (ITA). “Then we joked: ‘Okay, this is the last time we’ll talk until Tuesday,'” the South American said with a smile. “Play great tennis. But if I play like I did in the last two weeks, I have my chances, “said Schwartzman.
