Dominic Thiem’s sensational run to the semi-final of the French Open is the latest accomplishment for his coach Gunther Bresnik.
Operating from his academy in South Vienna, Bresnik has worked with no fewer than 27 top-100 players in his career. Previous students include Henri Leconte, Stefan Koubek and Jeff Tarango. Two of his most recent prodigies are Theim and former French Open semifinalist Ernests Gulbis. Gulbis recently ended his collaboration with the 55-year-old because ‘he was at a different stage of his career’.
Reflecting on his work with Gulbis and Thiem, Brenik identified one key difference that separates the two men on the tour.
“If you talk about gifted, Gulbis is the most gifted player that I have ever worked with. If it comes to just physical ability.” He told ubitennis.
“If you consider working ethics, patience for the game and everything, Dominic is on top of a few other guys. He’s not gifted in a way that he doesn’t need to do anything, but he wins a lot. Whatever he achieves in his career is through a lot of work.”
Whilst Gulbis might have the natural talent, it is Thiem that has shined on the tour this year. The Austrian has won three ATP titles and he has moved inside the top-10 for the first time in his career following his run to the semifinals at Roland Garros.
The 22-year-old got acquainted with Bresnik at the age of eight after his dad applied to work at Bresnik’s academy in Vienna, leading to the birth of the Thiem-Bresnik era.
There is no denying of Thiem’s talent, which include of a sublime backhand that even the all-time greats would be proud of. On the other hand, Bresnik believes that more improvement is required from one of the most promising talents in tennis.
“If you look at his play today, he produces many faces.” An analytic Bresnik said.
“There is a lot of potential in his serve, but he is not using it well enough, especially on his first serve.”
Thiem is currently ranked third in the tournament with his service speed, producing a best of 222 MPH.
Bresnik doesn’t come across as a big headed know it all. His grounded approach to tennis and analytical outlook is one that other players on the tour require. Theim’s achievement’s are remarkable for his age, but it is questionable if he would have reached this level so early in his career without the guidance of Bresnik.
Full interview
Interview conducted by Ubitennis director Ubaldo Scanagatta, article written by ubitennis.net editor Adam Addicott
