Dominic Thiem is focused on increasing his ‘Grand Slam tally’ more than his desire for the ‘World No.1 spot’


Dominic Thiem is focused on increasing his ‘Grand Slam tally’ more than his desire for the ‘World No.1 spot’
Dominic Thiem

Currently ranked as World No.3 in men’s tennis, Dominic Thiem had a breakthrough year as he finally ended his struggle to get hold of a Grand Slam. The Austrian became the US Open champion this year claiming his maiden Grand Slam in tennis after turning professional in 2011.

The World No.3 revealed that ‘more glory’ in terms of Majors is his top priority than the quest for the World No.1 spot.

“The Grand Slams are my top priority. If I don’t win a Grand Slam or play a final there, I might not be satisfied. But if I’m number four and win one and maybe not playing so well the rest of the year, I would be happier,” Thiem said.

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If given a choice, the Austrian would rather win another Slam over his hope to achieve the top spot in rankings.

“The desire is there, when I’m No. 3, I also want to be No. 1. It is now not as great as the desire for a Grand Slam title was or is now still of a second,” the Austrian added.

Thiem believes next year is going to about the ‘Big 3’, yet again

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem

Over the past two seasons in men’s tennis, Thiem has held a positive head to head with the ‘Big Three’ of tennis – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Moreover, the reigning US Open champion even made it to the finals of the Australian Open and the year-end ATP Finals this year.

The 27-year-old Austrian is anticipated to be the biggest threat in usurping the ‘Big 3’ from their thrones in the coming years.

Thiem’s journey sets an example for all the next-gen players to believe in themselves and get over the Grand Slam barrier of their respective careers.

With all the support around him, the World No.3 feels that it is quite probable for the ‘Big 3’ to continue their dominance in the coming season as well.

“It could be that next year all four Grand Slams will be won by the Big 3, especially Djokovic and Nadal,” Thiem said. “Nevertheless, the chance is greater that there will be more winning faces again. My title was perhaps so important because the others saw that it is possible,” he added.

Thiem is currently in Austria for his off-season training, and he will leave for Melbourne in mid-January. The World No.3 will play the ATP Cup in the first week of February followed by the Australian Open, which begins on 8th February.

Also Read: “Welcome Home!” Dominic Thiem is all smiles after finally receiving his U.S Open 2020 trophy