Dominic Thiem arrived in Bastad without a win this year but the Austrian was able to win two matches now and will play in the quarterfinals today.
It was a long recovery process for Dominic Thiem but things are finally falling into place for him. The Austrian was able to beat Emil Ruusuvuori in round one and that win gave him enough confidence to be able to beat Roberto Bautista Agut as well.
“It is great to play here. It is an amazing atmosphere and I am so happy that I won today so I can have at least another match tomorrow. It was really good. The win against Emil gave me confidence that I can compete against the best players in the world and today against Roberto."
"He is always such a tough opponent. I was expecting and hoping it would be a close match. Then when I won the first set in the tie-break I said ‘Hey, I can win today.’ I had the belief until the end of the match and the third set was really good.”
Thiem understood the whole time that it was a process that will eventually start to work but it was a very tough time. Enduring loss after loss made him question whether he will ever be able to play tennis the way he used to play it. It seems like the wins gave him enough confidence to declare that he's officially back:
“It is a process. I beat Ruusuvuori and today I beat Bautista Agut. Two really top opponents, so if I can beat them I am definitely back. I am into the quarters of a really strong tournament, so I am happy. It is a process, but I am going the right way.”
Thiem faces Sebastian Baez next, a very tricky opponent who plays a very strong clay game. Thiem is embracing the challenge.
Tomorrow I will give 100% and try to increase my level once more! Thank you all for the support.
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