Dominic Thiem has been actively following the sport and sharing his thoughts since stepping out of the season due to a right wrist injury he sustained while playing against Adrian Mannarino at the grass-court event in Mallorca.
Throughout the US Open, the Austrian was a regular on Tennis Channel and Eurosport, commenting on a number of key matches, including the men’s and women’s singles finals.
Following Novak Djokovic’s heart-breaking loss in the final to Daniil Medvedev, Thiem congratulated the Russian but remained positive about Djokovic, believing that the Serb would come back better than ever at the Australian Open next year.
Thiem discusses Roger Federer
In a recent interview following the US Open final, the Austrian spoke about Roger Federer’s influence on him when he was a young tennis player.
“Maybe, playing-wise, he was the biggest inspiration. Obviously, because of the one-handed backhand. Because he is the only one of those three who has a one-handed backhand. So, I tried to copy his style a little bit, of course”, said Thiem.
Domi talked to Stats Perform about Roger and what an inspiration he is to him ?
— Helene ~ ? (@DomiBucky) September 15, 2021
“Great memories that are still helping me to be a better player and also a better person on court.” ? pic.twitter.com/2rs0vFuwwk
In addition, the Austrian shared with him his experience playing in a practice session.
“Then I had this first practice with him. I was so nervous. And I think everybody can see that in the interview I gave after. The first time I played against him in a match, he killed me. It was not nice”, he continued.
The 2020 US Open champion also opened up about defeating him in the final of the Indian Wells Masters a few years back.
“First time beating him, and then beating him also in very important matches like Indian wells was great. But, as well as spending time with him, and then talking to him, to such a legend, not only on-court but also off-court. It gave me many court. Quot great experiences”, Thiem concluded.
With both Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem sidelined for the remainder of the ATP season, the Australian Open next year will be an exciting event for both to prepare for.
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