Despite being a two-time French Open finalist, Dominic Thiem’s chances of reaching the top in the new season have been played down by a key figure in the camp of Roger Federer.
Former world No.3 Ivan Ljubicic, who is the coach to the Swiss Maestro, believes the 26-year-old still has a way to go to make an impact on the Big Three. A group consisting of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Federer. Thiem has ended 2019 with a win-loss record of 49-19. This year he clinched his biggest title yet by winning his first Masters title in Indian Wells. Overall, he won five ATP tournaments this year. An achievement matched only by Novak Djokovic.
“He can win tournaments, but will he be number one oft he world next year? Maybe. But I don’t think so.” Ljubicic said during a recent interview.
“It’s hard to say if he will be number one in the world. Maybe all three guys will go down at once. But is tough.’
“We cannot predict the future. Dominic is a great player, he beat Roger two times this year. But how many Grand Slam-titles has the three guys won all together? Dominic has been in two Grand Slam-finals. It’s a big difference.”
Thiem is currently coached on the tour by former Olympic champion Nicolas Massu. The two joined forces back in March after the world No.4 decided to part ways with long-time coach Gunther Bresnik.
Despite casting doubt on Thiem chances, Ljubicic believes he does have what it takes to win a grand slam singles title one day. Something that hasn’t been achieved by a Austrian player since Thomas Musters at the 1995 French Open. Thiem has reached the semi-finals of better in the last four French Open tournaments. However, in the other majors, he has only progressed to the quarter-final stage once. Doing so at the 2018 US Open.
“He has the potential to win a Grand Slam eventually one day.” Ljubicic stated.
“I think we will see one of the (big) three guys on top next year. If one of these guys win two or so big slams he will be the number one next year.’
“I think they all three are in great moments of their careers. All three are playing great tennis. Every time they play each other, it’s fantastic.“
Thiem is one of a handful of players hoping to challenge the stronghold of the Big Three in the new year. Along with rivals such as ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, US Open finalist Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev. All of those players have previously displayed their potential on the tour.
The question is what will it take for a substantial change to take place in the world of men’s tennis? Or do they just have to wait for Federer and Co to hang up their rackets?
“Thiem and Tsitsipas played really well in London (at the ATP Finals). But when you look at the last three years the winners of London, they must all prove. They beat them (the Big Three) because they are good enough, but they must show that they can be consistent in semifinals of the Grand Slams, stay in the Top five, and fight for titles on the tour month after month.” The Croatian coach concluded.
As of this week Thiem is just over 700 points adrift of breaking into the top three in the world rankings for the first time in his career.
