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London (APA) – Dominic Thiem interviewed the APA – Austria news agency nearly 24 hours before the start of his third ATP World Tour final, during a boat trip on the Thames, from O2 Arena at the players' hotel, located near the famous London Eye, The 25-year-old New Zealander worked relaxed Saturday in London, accompanied by his girlfriend Kristina Mladenovic.
Sunday (15h00 / Sky live), it will be serious for the finalists of the Open de France this year. Kevin Anderson is his opponent for the third time this year and for the ninth time. Thiem did a lot for his third Masters match with superstars Roger Federer (SUI) and Kei Nishikori (JPN) in the "Lleyton Hewitt" group.
But even though he managed the London hat trick, the routine or habit of this event of scale with two daily sessions of 17,500 spectators did not become for him. "No, it 's a completely special event, it' s from the finish, as you can see, up to the beginning quite exceptional. 'be there for the third time, especially in the year, because I set the goal at the beginning of the year,' said Thiem. In addition, there were also ups and downs in 2018 and he was out of the top 8 for quite some time.
"I'm happy to have succeeded, even though it was a last minute qualification." The fact that after Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) and Rafael Nadal (ESP) had to cancel two wounded, and he would have done it anyway, whatever. "I was much more relaxed than when Federer won against Nishikori (in Paris-Bercy, note)."
Two years ago he only succeeded because Nadal canceled his candidacy. Thiem, however, said: "Everyone here is deserving of it, because at the end of the day it is a quality that is also suitable for most of the year, and if some people can not do that, like Nishikori or Isner, can do it now. "
Thiem arrived with his higher demands than recently on his third master. A single round of series as in 2016 against Frenchman Gael Monfils and last year, Rafael Nadal replaced after a match of Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) would like to give more to Thiem in 2018. Last year he had participated in the last group duel with finalist David Goffin for promotion in the semifinal against Roger Federer. This year, he has the Swiss superstar in his group.
But Thiem initially opens against South African Anderson. The Viennese winner had won the first six matches against Niederösterreicher from 2014 to 2017, but this year, Thiem managed to turn the tide with two undefeated victories: in the semifinals of the Masters 1000 clay court with 6: 4: 2 : 2. and – even more valuable – on hard ground in the round of 16 of the US Open with 7: 5.6: 2.7: 6 (2).
The starting position is after his best professional fall so far for him "completely different". "Positive things have started at the US Open and I have been able to continue until now," said Thiem. "I hope to confirm my good form.Everything is possible from a silent and sung start in the group stage to the tournament's win.This applies to all players."
What they would like to avoid is a rehearsal of 2016 and 2017. "Since then, I have always been in the second match against the wall, I want to avoid that, I really want to win the match tomorrow, but you do not can not plan this, it also depends on the daily constitution of both of us. "
As an advantage for him, he sees a greater experience in the O2 arena, because Anderson is indeed with the beginner of 32 Masters. "I hope I can enjoy it." The good thing about the Round Robin mode, is of course that you still have every chance despite a defeat. "It feels a little bad, but I immediately focused on the next game," said Thiem.
The goal is given: survive the group phase. "The big goal is to reach that goal for the first time, but it would not be the end of the world if I did not do it, because I would have lost some games against very powerful opponents. not as bitter as if I went early in Grand Slam. "
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