Dominic Thiem describes 'unbelievable feeling to come home' and defend Vienna crown amid COVID-19 pandemic
Dominic Thiem has begun the hunt for his second title of the year at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, where he is the defending champion. Thiem won the US Open in remarkable fashion for his maiden Slam title, but has played only two other events since the resumption of the tour.
The Austrian recently spoke about defending the title in his home tournament and what it means to be back in Vienna after a topsy-turvy year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Thiem's comments came following his win over Vitaliy Sachko in the first round of the tournament.
"It is an unbelievable feeling to play in such a mood in such a difficult time as this one, to come home to one of the most important tournaments for me," Dominic Thiem said.
It was the first match after Paris, these matches are never easy: Dominic Thiem on win against Vitaliy Sachko
Although Dominic Thiem got through the first round with a routine win over Vitaliy Sachko, the contest was much more complicated than the 6-4 7-5 scoreline suggests. Sachko was able to push the World No. 3 all around the court and match him shot for shot in a majority of the match.
The 27-year-old believes that in hindsight this was an important win to start off his indoor hardcourt season in the Austrian capital.
"I've seen a bit of his previous matches. For me it was the first match after Paris, these matches are never easy," Dominic Thiem said. "Especially against an opponent I don't know. I certainly had my difficulties getting into the game, but I am generally satisfied, it was a lot of fun again."
Thiem now takes on Cristian Garin in the second round of the Vienna Open on Thursday. Garin is a talented young player who has broken into the top 20 of the world rankings this year with two titles.
The Austrian has been served up a difficult draw leading up to the final where he could face World No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
Six of the top 10 and 13 of the top 20 players in the world are on display at the tournament, and many of them are in Thiem's path. The World No. 3 could face Russian Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinal and either Daniil Medvedev or Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinal.
Thiem's presence has already been confirmed at the Nitto ATP Finals in London, where he was the runner-up last year. He will be looking to do one better and win the title to end a breakthrough year in the British capital, barring any injury or fitness concerns.