Dominic Thiem confirms he won't play any event before RG, dismisses concerns about Paris weather conditions
Dominic Thiem enthralled tennis fans all over the world as he overturned a two-sets-to-love deficit against Alexander Zverev to lift his first Grand Slam title at the US Open on Sunday.
The Austrian has had a plethora of media engagements since then. He has spoken at length about why the occasion meant so much to him, and how his spirited fightback will be remembered for years to come.
The 26-year-old also recently talked about how he has to be careful about the packed schedule that follows the US Open. He has announced that he won't be playing any tune-up tournament before Roland Garros later this month, which is in stark contrast to his usual schedule.
Now it's time to enjoy and digest first: Dominic Thiem
As per tennisnet, Dominic Thiem does not seem too worried about being out of shape for the French Open that will take place from September 27th to October 11th. The Austrian is not overly concerned about the unusual weather conditions that will likely greet the players this year either.
To cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, an alternate schedule was created by the ATP and WTA which involved hosting the European clay swing after the American hardcourt season. Taking place in autumn this year, the Roland Garros conditions are set to be a vast departure from the regular summer time.
Dominic Thiem, however, does not believe it will be too different from previous tournaments.
"Strangely, the last three or four semifinals in Paris were always very cold. I remember that it was 11 degrees in the first semi-final against Djokovic," said the US Open champion.
"It will never get much cooler. But we won't get over 25 degrees either. It will be interesting for sure, I'm looking forward to the tournament. I can start playing in Paris as easily as I haven't in ages. Now it's time to enjoy and digest first," he added.
Dominic Thiem had withdrawn from the Rome Masters even before playing the US Open final. He has now more or less ended speculation of whether or not he will be accepting a wildcard entry into the Hamburg Open the week before Roland Garros.
"Yesterday I discussed with Nico (Massu) that Hamburg is no longer an issue for me. Especially after yesterday's match. Because it was very, very exhausting, the whole four weeks in the bubble," asserted the Austrian.
"Plus all the emotion, the pressure, that crazy finale yesterday. I weighed it up a bit: match practice or come to Paris fully fit - and the latter is clearly more important. I'll take a few days off and start training on the weekend. Clay is always like coming home. And I hope that will work out. I didn't have much more match practice when I went to the US Open."