Dominic Thiem should prioritize the US Open over the French Open as he has a better chance of winning there, believes tennis writer and expert Matt Roberts.
Until a couple of seasons ago, there were doubts about Thiem’s game on hard courts as he hadn’t produced the results expected of him.
On clay, however, he has been considered a strong contender for the past few seasons and has reached two French Open finals.
Last year Thiem won the first Masters 1000 title on Indian Wells’ concrete fields. He also reached the final match of the ATP finals last year.
In early 2020, Thiem defeated Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open on his way to the final, where he lost to Novak Djokovic.
Dominic Thiem is the second best player on the hard court, says Roberts
Roberts also said that Dominic Thiem could play both the French Open and the US Open, but if he has to choose, it should be the US Open.
“He is someone who can realistically play both, and will play both, but I think he has a better chance of winning the US Open, “said Roberts.
“He is still a better courier than a tough guy, but he’s very good in difficult fields. His problem is that Nadal is at a different level at the French Open “, Roberts added.
He went on to say that Thiem is the second best player on tough pitches in the world at the moment.
“Djokovic is a big obstacle to the US Open, but Thiem is the second best hard courier in the world behind Djokovic for men,“Expressed Roberts.
“US Open draw could open for Thiem”
“The US Open could be a tournament with slightly strange results, as the players adapt to not having the crowd and return after such a long layoff” He added.
That factor might also work against him, says Roberts, but admits that the draw may also open.
“Could be a victim of those results, I understand that too. But it is possible that the draw may open “ said Roberts.
“I think he’s a real contender in both, but he’s more likely to win the US Open,” He added.
Last week Thiem said he intended to play at the US Open. Speaking on the sidelines of the exhibition in Berlin, he said:I hope the next is the US Open. I’m still not 100% sure that will happen. But the plan is to go there in mid-August and if this is happening, it means that the normal tour is coming back and that’s what we all hope for. “
Source: The Tennis Podcast
