‘Alcaraz will win more Grand Slams’

The way of Dominic Thiem In his search to recover the good sensations on the track, he continues forward. The Austrian who preferred to play the Challenger de Mauthasuen to go to Rome Masters 1000 go ahead in the tournament. There he will reach the quarterfinals in what means a good shooting to face Roland Garros. The former world number 3 has already reflected on how good he is feeling lately and on the work he is doing with his new team. Now, in an interview with Tennis Majors, aside from reflecting on it further, he also had good words about the youngsters who are the future of tennis: Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune y Jannik Sinner. In addition, she shared what her wishes are for the future.

Improvement compared to the beginning of 2023

“I feel good, much better than at the beginning of the season. For the last month I have been at high intensity training, spending five hours or more a day on the track. The matches of the last tournaments have also increased my confidence. Now it’s important to keep up this level of hard work and keep improving every day. I want to get back to the top and, although it won’t be easy, I will give it my all”.

On his great game against Tsitsipas in Madrid

“The match against Tsitsipas was very good and I realized that I can compete again with the best players in the world. However, I also saw my mistakes, like too many return errors and not being able to maintain my level in the second set. I was disappointed that I didn’t win the match but overall it was a good performance. I’m working hard to fix these bugs and see improvements every day.”

A hard road full of learning

“I have learned that nothing is easy and that success requires hard work, perseverance and self-belief. After winning the US Open I lost some of my inner drive, having worked towards that goal for 17 years. Then, I got injured and suddenly I wasn’t ranked in the top three or considered one of the best players in the world. I fell down the ranks. After much reflection I found a new goal and rekindled my passion for tennis. I love going out on the track, training hard and competing. I strive to improve every day, I never give up.

Total change in your team to find a way out

“At the beginning of this season my body and my level of play were not up to competing with the best players and it was frustrating. However, now it is getting better day by day and I need to continue on this path. I changed all my equipment because I felt that I needed something new. Separating from Nicolás Massú was a difficult decision, since he was not only my coach, but also a good friend. We spent a lot of time together and we had great success, winning the US Open. It was important for us to remain friends after our separation.”

What do you think of Alcaraz, Sinner and Rune?

“All three are incredible in their own right, with unique playstyles. Alcaraz is currently playing exceptionally well and winning many matches including the Grand Slam title from him. For his age, his abilities are exceptional, with great punches, speed, and mental strength. He is also a good person. I am sure that he will win more Grand Slams.

Sinner is a fantastic person, kind and calm. I can even speak German with him, as he grew up close to the Austrian border. He is a great player and athlete, and I think he will be at the top for a long time with the potential to win Grand Slams. Rune is also awesome and I played against him in Monte Carlo. He is incredibly fast and can land early shots, disrupting your rhythm. He has the potential to be one of the best players of the next few years”.

What does Santa ask for?

“My wish list would be for my family and friends, including myself, to stay healthy. I also wish that our planet will become healthier again and that people will change their minds, be more sustainable and find ways to live together. And on top of that, it would be great to get back on top, but I don’t think he can help me with that, I’ll have to work for it myself.”