For a player that has enjoyed the vast majority of the success in his career on the clay, Dominic Thiem is determined to prove that he is a contender on any surface.
The 25-year-old Austrian has been able to highlight his case at this week’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. After a turbulent start to the year due to illness, Thiem has battled to his third Masters 1000 final and the first on a hard-court. On Saturday he edged his way past Milos Raonic in three sets. Hitting a series of breathtaking backhand winners and winning 82% of his first service points.
“I played really well the whole match, basically. I didn’t make a lot of unforced errors. I always made him (Raonic) play at least in my service games. And I had a very good first-serve percentage. That was great.” Thiem told reporters afterwards.
“In general, it was a very good match because the only break point I had to save was in the last game, and that was what I wanted to do, to play my service games well and not let him too many chances.” He added.
Sunday’s final will be Thiem’s 19th on the ATP Tour, but only his fourth on a hard court. His greatest achievements to date have occurred on the clay. Finishing runner-up to Rafael Nadal at the French Open last year and winning eight out of his 11 titles on the surface. Thiem is also one of only three players to score a trio of wins over Nadal on the clay. Alongside Novak Djokovic and Gastón Gaudio.
“One thing that would never change is that clay is my home.” Stated Thiem. “It’s my favourite surface. I grew up on it. I just feel great whenever I come back at it.”
“But that doesn’t mean that I’m not a good all-rounder, or not a good player on different surfaces.” He added.
Whilst there is praised for the Austrian and his performances on the dirt, sometimes he can be underestimated on other surfaces. Even though he is a current US Open quarter-finalist, former Mexican Open champion and has previously triumphed on the grass at the 2016 Stuttgart Open.
Out to prove that he is a true all-rounder, Thiem accepts the idea that the courts in Indian Wells reminds him of playing on the clay. This year is his sixth appearance in the main draw of the tournament.
“This surface and also the one in New York (US Open), for example, it suits me pretty well, because it’s bouncy, especially during the day. It’s not too fast, so it’s a little bit more similar than a clay court.” He explained.
“The biggest adjustment is the moving, that I cannot slide around.”
Standing in the way of Thiem and his maiden Masters 1000 title is the formidable Roger Federer, who is a five-time Indian Wells champion. Federer is the second player in the history of men’s tennis to win 100 titles after Jimmy Connors. He progressed to the final after rival Nadal withdrew from their clash due to a knee injury.
“It’s always something special to play him and also something special to compete in a Masters 1000 final.” Thiem said of his upcoming clash.
“I know it’s going to be very tough, but same time, I will give everything to hopefully win my first title.”
Their head-to-head is currently tied at 2-2. Thiem has lost their two previous encounters on hard courts. However, he has got the better of the Swiss world No.4 on clay and grass. Should Thiem prevail in the final, it would underscore his ability to be a all-round player. A prospect he is relishing.
“It’s not my call to be known as a multi-surface player, but it’s nice for me and also for my confidence to have really good results also on the other surfaces.” He concluded.
The men’s final will take place not before 15:30 local time on Sunday.
