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There are people who think that 2020 will be a year to forget. Sure related to Corona, but from a sporting point of view, it was perhaps even one of the best of his career for Dominic Thiem. For the second time in a row the tennis season ended with the final in the ATP finals. And although he lost this high-level final in London, he can still proudly remember this year that it is so special for everyone and, as Thiem put it, also “a difficult year”. A year that “will always have a special place” in his heart just for the victory at the US Open.
The fact that the 27-year-old was also denied the second major title in London this year is a disappointment, but given the accolades and recognition Thiem has been earning for days, it’s bearable. His conqueror Daniil Medvedev also praised Thiem’s tennis. “When Dominic plays like this, he is one of the best players ever,” said the Russian after Sunday’s close 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 victory. “That I defeated him in this way was probably the best victory of my life.” Indeed, the 24-year-old Russian has also placed himself in a solid starting position for 2021 with victories in Paris-Bercy and London.
Number one in the world in sight
In addition to the big triumph at Flushing Meadows, Thiem also reached the final at the Australian Open and the O2 Arena. Furthermore, due to the special crown rule, the final of the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros remains in the ranking. An attack on number one now seems to be the next logical step for the Lichtenwörther.
Thiem himself does not deny it. “I have not set any goals for next year, but of course I want to continue climbing in the ranking. But everything is tight: Rafa and Nole are still up there, Roger will return next year,” he said in reference to the three greats Nadal, Djokovic and Federer. With Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and, from this year, Andrej Rublew, there are six or seven players who will fight for the top spots in the coming years.
How things will go is still in the stars of the entire tennis scene. The strict crown policy in Australia could lead to some postponements, and the Australian Open could not start on January 18 as planned. But given that the February tournaments in South America are very uncertain, there would be time. Thiem will adapt the start of the preparation to this. “From now on, we can enter Australia on January 1 at the earliest. I also think it can still go backwards,” Thiem said.
In retrospect, with Jürgen Melzer reaching the double final, London was one of the most successful events in history. In 2018 at Roland Garros, by the way, it was Thiem and Oliver Marach in doubles who were also in two finals. So there are not only years to “forget”. Austrian men’s tennis is currently the best proof of this. (lane / what)
