Dominic Thiem has started his French Open campaign with a straightforward win over Marin Cilic in the first round on Monday.
The world No.3, who hadn’t played a competitive match since winning his first major title at the US Open two weeks ago, showed the inevitable signs of rust during his 6-4, 6-3, 6-2, victory on Court Philippe Chatrier. Making it the seventh year in a row where he has won his first match. An achievement that he hasn’t matched at any other Grand Slam.
“It was very short,” Thiem commented about his break after New York. “It has never happened before that two major tournaments are separated by just two weeks. It was my biggest success and I reached one of the biggest goals of my career but I really love this tournament. It’s my best Grand Slam tournament by far.”
Against former top 10 player Cilic, the 27-year-old broke six times as he hit 17 winners to 21 unforced errors to extend his head-to-head record against the Croat to 4-0. Thiem also defeated Cilic in straight sets at the US Open last month.
In what was the second battle between Grand Slam champions to take place in the first round of the men’s draw after Stan Wawrinka against Andy Murray, Thiem was tested early on. Cilic, who is usually known for his powerful hitting from the baseline, took a different approach to the match with the use of drop shots and coming to the net. There was little to distinguish between the two throughout the opener until a break at 4-4 proved pivotal. An error-stricken service game from Cilic enabled the second seed to nudge ahead and close out the opening set. Although Thiem still struggled at times with his consistency and had to recover from a 0-40 deficit before doing so.
Avoiding the early scare, Thiem surged in confidence as the match progressed. Much to the frustration of Cilic, who is celebrating his 32nd birthday on the same day. The Austrian broke twice more and dropped just three points behind his own serve during the second set as he wore down his opponent. A shout of ‘come on’ erupted from Thiem after a Cilic shot landed out to grant him the two-set lead.
Eighth times Cilic has come back from two sets down to win but it wouldn’t be a ninth. A five-game winning streak guided Thiem towards the finished line. Tasked with serving the match he prevailed of his first match point after a backhand from his rival slammed into the net.
“I wanted to prepare well and I didn’t want to lose too much tension after New York,” said Thiem.
“I’m really happy with my first round. I was facing another champion today. The transition to the clay and cold (weather) worked out really well.” .
Thiem’s latest win is his 25th in the main draw at Roland Garros. He has settled for runner-up in Paris the past two years and faces the possibility of playing Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals this year.
