Dominic Thiem says he is ‘Physically and mentally on the edge’ following his five-set tussle with Diego Schwartzman at the French Open.
The third seed battled on court for more than five hours before losing 7-6(1), 5-7, 6-7(6), 7-6(5), 6-2, to the Argentine who is only the tenth male player from his country to have reached a Grand Slam semi-final. Thiem did have his chances of closing the match out in the fourth frame where he had a two-set and a break advantage but failed to tame his rival. Although the Austrian is not too disheartened by the loss and later admitted he is running on empty following what has been a few chaotic weeks on the Tour for him.
“To be honest, I was over the limit. If I would have won maybe I would have recovered. Even though I’m physically and mentally on the edge, you never know in a slam,” Thiem said during his press conference.
“In the end, I gave everything that I had out there. It was an amazing match. I think the first in my career over five hours. Diego fully deserves it.”
Thiem’s Grand Slam heartbreak occurs just three weeks after the biggest win of his entire career when he lifted the US Open title. Again that match was in a five-set thriller with him battling back from two sets down to defeat Alexander Zverev. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Open and French Open tournaments were only separated by two weeks in the calendar. Normally the events start at the end of May and the end of August.
The 27-year-old revealed the short time frame has resulted in him trying new tactics in a bid to boost his recovery. Thiem also played a marathon match two days ago against French underdog Hugo Gaston.
“I just tried to do everything I could during my days off, to recover. I also tried something new. For example, before the round of 16 I did nothing the whole day. Just to try to be 100% again.’ He said.
“I’m not sad with my performance at Roland Garros. It was a pretty short time with the long trip home (from New York), jet lag, and everything. Then, of course, the first slam, which is a special thing. I came here and played in pretty brutal conditions’
“I cannot say it was a bad tournament, I’m pretty happy about it.”
The loss has snapped Thiem’s run of four consecutive appearances in the semi-final stage at the French Open. Although he seeks some comfort in the fact the person who knocked him out is also a good friend of his. Schwartzman, who was runner-up at the Italian Open last month, will now break into the top 10 for the first time in his career at the age of 28.
“I’m super disappointed that I lost but at the same time I’m happy for him. He really deserves it. It’s an amazing achievement by him to break into the top 10 for the first time in his career.” Thiem commented.
“Maybe to lose against a friend hurts a little bit less.”
