US Open

Dominic Thiem's demanding fitness regimen is critical to his success

The world No. 4 is known for being one of the fittest players on the ATP tour and the Austrian's fitness level plays a key factor when facing the big three.



Dominic Thiem's demanding fitness regimen is critical to his success

Dominic Thiem's fitness regime not only makes him look fit but it plays a crucial part in his success against the big three.

The No. 4 is known as one of the fittest players on tour and has defeated each of the top three of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer this season. His physical shape helped him get those wins, he told Men's Journalin an interview.).

MONTREAL, QC - AUGUST 08:  Dominic Thiem of Austria reacts after winning a point against Marin Cilic of Croatia during day 7 of the Rogers Cup at IGA Stadium on August 8, 2019 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  Dominic Thiem of Austria defeated Marin Cilic of Croatia 7-6, 6-4.  (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
© 2019 Getty Images

Getty Images

"It takes everything. It takes, of course, good tennis. You have to keep up with them tennis-wise, but also fitness-wise,” Thiem said. "They’re the three best players of all time, but they’re also three of probably the fittest players of all time. Always keep going. Keep momentum, no matter what’s happening. Always keep working hard and you’ll reach your goals. I try to do something everyday.”

Thiem, a two-time French Open finalist, is starting to perform better on hard courts. He reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 US Open, falling to Nadal in five tight sets, and captured his first Masters title earlier this year at Indian Wells, defeating Roger Federer in the final.

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 17: Dominic Thiem of Austria holds the championship trophy after his men's singles final victory against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day fourteen of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 17, 2019 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

Getty Images

“I do a pretty tough program -- even twice a day. When I’m in the tournament, I reduce it a little bit," said Thiem. "My routine is very intense, but it’s normal exercises that many people probably do, too -- a lot of strength work, speed work, and a little bit of endurance with lots of core work.

“I really love to do core exercises because they don’t only make you fit, they also make you look good."

Thiem is now in New York, having delayed his arrival and spent "a lot of time in bed" since he withdrew from Cincinnati with illness. Though his illness has interfered with his training going into the US Open, the 25-year-old Thiem has kept a demanding fitness regimen during the season.

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