Dominic Thiem will face world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Madrid Open second round as the Austrian aims to add to his impressive record at the Spanish competition.
Thiem has managed to race to at least the semi-finals in four of his last five appearances at the Madrid Open. The former world number three got his 2023 campaign at the ATP 1000 event off to a flying start as he cruised past Kyle Edmund with a straight-sets victory in the first round.
2023 has not been an easy season for Thiem so far after he lost nine of his first ten matches, which led to early exits at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Miami. But the Austrian said he felt good after his first-round win in Madrid and he also believed the building momentum.
"It was not easy in the beginning. First match on the centre court and I was mainly practising outside, so it is a different feeling, I have known Kyle since we were juniors. He has been a tough opponent since the young days, so I went in with a lot of respect. I had some crucial moments in the first set when I saved the break points and then I released a little bit and it got better and better."
Even though Thiem has endured a tough start to the new season, he is confident about pushing on following quarter-final runs on clay surfaces at the Munich Open and the Estoril Open recently. The 29-year-old has won ten of his 17 ATP titles on clay and he feels that Madrid in particular is a hotspot.
"I love this court, I have great memories and played some great matches here, Results wise this is my best [ATP] Masters 1000 tournament by far, so it is time to work on that reputation. Once I was a very tough guy to beat on clay and it is not the case right now, but I am feeling that I am getting better and back to shape."
Thiem also responded to questions about his upcoming clash with Tsitsipas, who the Austrian has beaten five times in eight previous head to heads.
"I am looking forward to that one a lot, I like him a lot. He is an unbelievable player, I like watching his matches. He is very elegant. We've had some great matchups."
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