Dominic Thiem is hoping that his upcoming return to the clay will help him break new territory in men’s tennis.
The Australian Open runner-up is set to be the headline act at the Rio Open, which will get underway on Monday. Currently ranked fourth in the world rankings, Thiem is aiming to crack the top three in the near future for the first time in his career. Something that hasn’t been achieved by an Austrian on the men’s tour since Thomas Muster.
“Of course I’m happy that I’m at my career high but I really would like to get the number three spot. I think that if I play well here I can make it. I know it’s a challenge but it’s also a nice goal for the upcoming weeks.” Thiem told reporters on Saturday in Brazil.
“I love Rio and South America in general so for me it was a no-brainer coming here. Unfortunately I had to withdraw from Buenos Aires, but I love playing in the clay and it kind of feels like coming home.” He added.
Thiem had previously said his mission of cracking the top three was not his ‘main goal.’ Saying his priority is maintaining his form and consistency generated from his run in Australia. He is currently coached on the tour by former Olympic champion Nicolas Massu.
At present, the 26-year-old is just 85 points behind third place Roger Federer. He has few points to defend in Rio after crashing out in the first round last year to Laslo Dere, who went on to win the tournament. Thiem did win the title back in 2017.
The first test Thiem faces in the tournament will be Brazil’s Felipe Meligeni in the first round. A former US Open boy’s doubles champion who is currently ranked outside the top 300. The upcoming encounter will be only the second main draw match Meligeni has played on the ATP Tour.
“To be honest this was not what I was hoping for the opening round, but I’ll try and do my best on the court,” the 21-year-old told rioopen.com.
“The fact that this is the opening round can be an advantage because we get a bit more nervous, so I’ll see what I can do. It’s going to be the first time I face a Top 10 player and all I can do is hope that the fans give me the boost I need to beat Dominic.”
Thiem is the only top 20 player participating in Rio this year. He will be bidding to claim his 17th ATP title and 11th on the clay.
