Inspired by the Next Gen, Thiem's improved hands net childhood dreams
The Austrian won his ATP-leading fifth title of the 2019 season last weekend in Vienna, his second triumph on home soil this year.
It's been a season to remember for Dominic Thiem, who comes into this week's Rolex Paris Masters with an ATP-leading five titles in 2019. Among his highlights include claiming his first ATP Masters 1000 trophy at Indian Wells, contesting his second successive Roland Garros final and living out two childhood dreams by triumphing at events on home soil in Kitzbuhel and Vienna.
In Sunday's Vienna final, Thiem was forced to rally from a set down to defeat good friend Diego Schwartzman. Needing to quickly shift his attention to Paris, Thiem hasn't had time to process the achievement, telling Prakash Amritraj, "it was one of the most emotional weeks I've had."
Roger Federer also tasted victory in front of his home fans over the weekend at the Swiss Indoors Basel, and Thiem noted, "I got emotional, but he got even more! He won for the 10th time, which is not comparable."
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Thiem owns 45 match wins in 2019 and has broken any stereotypes that previously classified him as a clay-court specialist, with three of his titles coming on hard. His victory in Vienna marked his second indoor crown since September 2018 and he reflected on commitments to his development that have resulted in greater successes away from red dirt.
"I come in a lot more. I've improved my net game," he said. " I was also looking a lot at the young players. They are playing so aggressive, they try to come in a lot. So I also had to improve this. I'm working on it and it's paid off already pretty well."
The world No. 5 will open his Paris bid on Wednesday against Milos Raonic. In March, the Austrian edged Raonic over three sets to win their Indian Wells semifinal, marking his first win in three meetings with the 2016 Wimbledon finalist.
