Novak Djokovic praises ‘hard worker, great guy’ Dominic Thiem: ‘He deserves it more than anybody else’
World No 1 Novak Djokovic has heaped praise on Dominic Thiem following his maiden Grand Slam success while he also hopes to feature in a dream Vienna Open final against the Austrian.
After three runners-up trophies in majors, Thiem ended his wait for a Slam at the US Open in September as he came back from two sets down to defeat Alexander Zverev in the final.
He followed that up with a quarter-final exit from the French Open before taking a break after the clay-court Grand Slam.
Both Thiem and Djokovic will return to action at the ATP 500 Vienna Open this week, but they are in opposite halves of the draw and can only meet in the final.
Vienna Open draw: Nightmare half for Dominic Thiem; Novak Djokovic could face Stefanos Tsitsipas in semis
“I respect Dominic so much and what he has done for tennis is tremendous, especially this year obviously winning his first Grand Slam,” 17-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic said. “He deserves it more than anybody else. He’s a hard worker, a great guy with a great team. Hopefully we can have that chance to play.
“Obviously that’s probably something that the people would want to see here… [but] it’s a long way [away]. Even though that’s something that we are all anticipating, we both want that, to be in the final of course. But the field is very strong, so we have to take one day at a time.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.