Dominic Thiem hails ‘unreal’ Vienna Open field, saying defending title is ‘not mission impossible, but almost’
He is the defending champion, but Dominic Thiem admits he faces an uphill battle to retain his Vienna Open trophy as this year’s field is “probably the best [ATP] 500 tournament ever”.
Not only is Thiem the big drawcard due to being the local hero, but he is also the reigning US Open champion after winning his maiden Grand Slam in September.
Usually he would start the tournament as the clear favourite, but the field also contains world No 1 Novak Djokovic as well as Stefanos Tsitsipas (ranked No 5), Daniil Medvedev (No 6), Andrey Rublev (No 8), Diego Schwartzman (No 8), Gael Monfils (No 11) and Denis Shapovalov (No 12).
Welcome to Vienna @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/yGfwMkvmjY
— Dominic Thiem (@ThiemDomi) October 25, 2020
Three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka and former US Open runner-up Kei Nishikori were thrown in for good measure.
It is easy to see why Thiem, who faces Nishikori first up, feels he is up against it.
“It’s always special to start as a defending champion at a tournament, but this year is unreal, the whole draw,” the Austrian is quoted as saying by ATPTour.com.
“It was strong and then Novak arrived and it got unreal even [more]. [It is] probably the best [ATP] 500 tournament ever. Defending the title is not mission impossible, but almost.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
NewsHeather Watson inspired by Andy Murray as she makes quarter-finals in Birmingham
The British number two was leading when Zhang Shuai retired from their match due to a leg injury.
-
WimbledonRoger Federer is beaten on grass as his Wimbledon hopes take a hit
Federer’s hopes of a lengthy run in the Halle grass court event came to an end as he was beaten by Felix Auger-Aliassime.
-
NewsCameron Norrie beats Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev at Queen’s
Norrie is through to the last eight at Queen’s Club for the first time.
-
WimbledonWimbledon to open its doors to the public and here is how you get tickets
The 2021 tournament is set to get under way on June 28 at the All England Club.
-
NewsAndy Murray receives Wimbledon wild card with preparations in full swing
Murray will play singles at the All England Club for the first time since 2017.
-
WimbledonAndy Murray gets Wimbledon wildcard as rising British star is also rewarded
Andy Murray has been announced as one of the initial recipients of a Wimbledon wild card, along with fellow Brit Jack Draper.
-
WimbledonWimbledon confirm Naomi Osaka has yet to withdraw from this year’s Championships
Wimbledon chiefs have confirmed that Naomi Osaka is still entered into the draw for this year’s Championships.
-
NewsAndy Murray braced for tough time watching Scotland game in all-English bubble
The former world number one will be with his coaching staff at Queen’s when the two countries face off at Euro 2020.
-
NewsAndy Murray preparing for a tough night when Scotland play England in Euro 2020
Andy Murray is fearing a “tough” experience when he watches Scotland’s Euro 2020 clash with England on Friday.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Judy Murray urges tennis chiefs to provide mental health aid to all players after Naomi Osaka incident
Judy Murray believes game should do more to support players.