Historic US Open Milestone ‘Not That Important’ For Dominic Thiem - UBITENNIS

Historic US Open Milestone ‘Not That Important’ For Dominic Thiem

The three-time Grand Slam finalist says the absence of fans has been a challenge for him as he looks ahead to his clash with Daniil Medvedev.

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read

Austrian second seed Dominic Thiem has eased his way into the semifinals of the US Open after making short work of Alex de Minaur.

The world No.3 eased to a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, win in just over two hours after firing 11 aces and 43 winners past the Australian. It is the first time the 27-year-old has reached the last four in New York and sixth time overall in a Grand Slam. Thiem’s latest victory is one that has gone into the history books after he became the first player from his country to reach the last four of the event. Although he has played down its significance.

“It feels good to be in the semis here in general for the first time. I mean, if I’m the first Austrian or not, it’s not that important,” said Thiem.
“For me it’s really nice to reach the semis also at this slam here, especially under tough mental circumstances with the times we are going through and everything. That’s really great for me.

This year’s major is taking place behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic and players are being kept inside a ‘bio-secure bubble.’ Thiem’s match inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium, which can hold more than 23,000 people, was only watched by a handful of people who worked at the tournament in some capacity.

The absence of fans is one thing Thiem admits is an ongoing challenge for him in the tournament. Saying he usually thrives on the crowd to help him to ‘get his energy up.’

“It’s not easy mentally to keep all the time 100% energy and everything. Everything else I got used to. I think it’s in general great that we are able to play this tournament,” he explained.
“There are some situations in every match where it would be nice to have the crowd just to keep the energy up, to celebrate great points and that it doesn’t feel that bad if you’re going through a tough period. This has all kind of gone when there are no fans in the stadium. That is not easy to get used to.”

Whilst missing the fans, Thiem’s focus is on his upcoming showdown with Daniil Medvedev for a chance to play in the final. Medvedev is the only player in the men’s draw yet to drop a set. The Russian came through his quarter-final match with a 7-6(6), 6-3, 7-6(5), win over Andrey Rublev. Although during the closing stages of the match Medvedev had two injury time outs on his shoulder and leg. Something he played down afterwards.

“I would say that he comes very close to the big three players in terms that he can play his level, his top level, for doesn’t matter how long. That’s going to be really, really difficult,” Thiem said of his upcoming opponent.
“But I’m looking forward to that one. I think it’s going to be a big stage, even if it’s without fans. It’s going to be a great semifinals.”

Thiem leads Medvedev 2-1 in their head-to-head but lost their most recent encounter in straight sets at the Rogers Cup last year.

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