Dominic Thiem happy to be regarded clay specialist despite Indian Wells success

Michael Graham 20 Mar 2019 10:53 AM

Dominic Thiem with Indian Wells Masters trophy

Dominic Thiem is happy to be able to call himself a multi-surface player, but admits that clay remains his “home”.

The Austrian claimed his first Masters level title at Indian Wells, his second hard court tile.

However, two thirds of his career titles have come on clay, where he is widely regarded as the second best player in the world behind Rafael Nadal, and he is happy to admit it’s where he feels strongest.

“It’s not my call to be known as a multi-surface player,” Thiem said before the Indian Wells final, “but it’s nice for me and also for my confidence to have really good results also on the other surfaces.

“It worked out pretty well. I have my grass court title. I have indoor and outdoor on hard court. I like that surface. I like to play on it.

“But one thing would never change that clay is my home.

“It’s my favourite surface. I grew up on it. I just feel great whenever I come back at it.

“But that doesn’t mean that I’m not a good all-rounder or not a good player on different surfaces.”