“Belgrade marks the beginning of this tennis season for me and I plan to play every week before Roland Garros. I’m ready for the first match,” said Austria’s tennis star “b92.net” at the press conference before the start against Australian John Millman on Tuesday.
“Fight for every point”
The French Open starts in less than a month on May 22nd. After his protracted wrist injury, Thiem considers the 250 event in Serbia to be the ideal preparation for the classic clay court. He can compete with some of the top ten players here in training and competition, such as Thiem, who also recently contracted Corona. “I’m not sure about my game or my physical condition, but I think it’s important to fight for every point.”
The former world number three only played one tournament this year. At a challenger in Marbella three weeks ago, he lost to Argentinian Pedro Cachin at the start. If they advance in the Serbian capital, the winner of the encounter between local hero Miomir Kecmanovic and Frenchman Richard Gasquet awaits. In the quarterfinals there could be a clash with local hero Novak Djokovic.
Thiem will only look at winning titles on the tour again next year. At the moment he doesn’t know what to expect. “I hope that in 2023 I can secure my place among the top players that I have had in the past. That is, that I can win Roland Garros because I intend to be at my best in this tournament.”
Source: Nachrichten
