“Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic biggest favorites for titles next year, but chances are that winners will be new faces again,” says Dominic Thiem

“Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic biggest favorites for titles next year, but chances are that winners will be new faces again,” says Dominic Thiem

Dominic Thiem, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic

Dominic Thiem, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic

Dominic Thiem was one of the best players on ATP Tour in 2020, after some incredible performances. 2020 was a year that does not carry many fond memories with it, but the Austrian will cherish his first ever Grandslam title he won at the Flushing Meadows in August. Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev in the final of the US Open, to clinch his maiden slam.

The Austrian ended as the runner-up at the Australian Open and the Nitto ATP Finals, losing to Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev in the respective tournaments. Looking ahead to the next season, Thiem believes that Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal can win three out of four majors, but the possibility of seeing new faces lift a Grandslam is greater than before.

“Probably the biggest favorites at the tournaments next year,” Thiem on Nadal and Djokovic. “But I believe that now the chance is greater that winners will be new faces again at the grand slams,” he added.

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Now, I know no matter what happens I have the title: Thiem

Dominic Thiem with the US Open 2020 title

When the season was halted from March-June owing to the covid-19 pandemic, the Austrian had invested his time in training and preparation for the resumption of the tour. Thiem mentioned that he had worked on his weaknesses during the break. “Now, I know no matter what happens I have the title,” he said.

However, the Austrian stated that this year was not as easy as it seemed. He said his nerves got exposed at the Vienna Open and at the Nitto ATP Finals against Novak Djokovic. Thiem’s clash with Djokovic at the O2 Arena was arguably one of the best matches of the season in 2020.

Dominic Thiem has prevailed under pressure in 2020, which includes his five-setter victory over Zverev at the US Open, in spite of trailing two sets to love. He also defeated Djokovic and Nadal in London, which were nerve-wrecking encounters.

Also Read: “Well Deserved Domi,” Rafael Nadal congratulates Dominic Thiem for having an incredible year