‘I will do everything I can to keep Roger Federer No 1,’ jokes Dominic Thiem
Now that he has had a taste of Grand Slam success, Dominic Thiem is hoping to add a few more majors to his collection and, should he be successful, he would do Roger Federer a big favour in the process.
Thiem added his name to the Grand Slam winner’s circle a fortnight ago when he beat Alexander Zverev in five sets to win the US Open and become the first player outside the Big Three of Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to win a major since 2016.
While the Austrian is on No 1 in terms of majors won, Federer leads the way with 20 with Nadal on 19 and Djokovic on 17.
Another Grand Slam is up for grabs at this week’s French Open at Roland Garros and Thiem was asked if Federer will be rooting for him.
“I promise: I will do everything I can to keep Roger number 1! (laughs),” he told Blich.
He did get a call from Federer after the US Open final.
“He congratulated me, wrote a long message, which made me very happy,” he said. “We are also in regular contact. In the run-up to the US Open, we kept talking to each other on the phone, mainly because of the ATP stories.
“I’m very happy when Roger is back on tour. Everyone feels that way.”
Although Thiem would love to win several more majors, he is also pragmatic.
“I’m realistic, reaching Federer, Nadal and Djokovic will not work out,” he said. “Of course I want to win more big titles. But I could now look back on my career calmly and without a crying eye, because I have achieved the very big goal.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.