Dominic Thiem’s preparation for the third Grand Slam tournament of 2018 is entering its final phase. Austria’s number one is training in Wimbledon from today.
Dominic Thiem is approaching Wimbledon. Wednesday morning the team around the Austrian number one went to London, the last days were for Thiem less in the sign of the training but rather the obligations of his sponsor Bank Austria: A new commercial is now in the box, now it goes to the Director´s Cut.
Of course, Thiem will not take part in that, as coach Günter Bresnik told tennisnet, two hours of training are planned immediately after arrival. “Either with Ernests Gulbis or Dennis Novak,” says Bresnik. Both have reached the third round of the qualifying tournament for the third Grand Slam event of the year.
Gulbis has been training in the Academy of Bresnik for years, smaller breaks are not excluded. Novak, on the other hand, is not only a good friend of Thiem’s, but could also be the logical second man for the Davis Cup meeting with the Australians in Graz in mid-September after the performances of the last few weeks.
On the other hand, Thiem could also do quite well on his own if his playmates are unable to attend. There is a fourth round to defend; a year ago, after losing the fifth set against Tomas Berdych, it was over. The Czech renounces for reasons of injury, which will make no difference to Thiem. Last week in Halle/Westphalia, the Lichtenwörth native recorded that the world’s top players are moving much closer together anyway on grass, so a Yuichi Sugita can also give the Berdych.
In this year’s edition Thiem will be placed eighth, one place worse than in the ATP world rankings. Dominic Thiem will be able to cope with the exchange of seats with Kevin Anderson, for the draw this castling makes no difference.
So Thiem has two matches on grass in his legs, a few days are still left until the first serve in Wimbledon. Gary Muller will visit the Austrian delegation, the former professional from South Africa is considered an expert for serve and return. Especially the latter did not work perfectly at Dominic Thiem in Halle.
Thiem has renounced further assignments, he had started in Antalya a year ago. Bresnik and his protégé have also gratefully refused the invitation to warm up to “The Boodles”. “It wouldn’t make sense if we didn’t get to London until Wednesday,” Bresnik said.
After all, from today Thiem is back where his football heart beats: near the home of Chelsea FC. And also in England – that selection which the Lower Austrian keeps his fingers crossed. I’d be happy to go on. And gladly also in London.
How Dominic Thiem played in Wimbledon in 2017