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Thiem joins Federer on Team Europe for 2021 Laver Cup

US Open champion Dominic Thiem will make a trip further up the northeast of the U.S. next September when he suits up for the Laver Cup at TD Garden in Boston.

Thiem is the second Team Europe player confirmed to return, joining event co-creator Roger Federer. Originally scheduled for 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to shift back a year to September 24-26, 2021.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be on the winning side at two of the three Laver Cups so far—in Prague and Geneva, and it’s a really unique event, like no other on the tour,” Thiem said in an announcement. “I’m really looking forward to helping Team Europe capture a fourth title.”

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Dominic Thiem of Team Europe celebrates with Bjorn Borg, Captain of Team Europe in his singles match against Denis Shapovalov of Team World during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
© Getty Images for Laver Cup

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Captained by Bjorn Borg, Team Europe has won all three editions over John McEnroe’s Team World. Thiem is 2-1 in singles action (2-3 with points won-lost in the event’s scoring format), though is yet to be nominated for a doubles match in his first two appearances. The 27-year-old has enjoyed the unique opportunity to bond with competitors he’s often required to stare down in big moments.

“It’s so cool to be competing as part of a team with guys I’m normally facing across the net. We have so much fun together,” said Thiem. “But I also still learn a lot from the likes of Roger and Bjorn who have so much experience in the game.”

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Rafael Nadal of Team Europe kicks a tennis ball as he warms up with teammates during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
© Getty Images for Laver Cup

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At Flushing Meadows this year, Thiem rallied from two sets and a break down to edge teammate Alexander Zverev in a decisive fifth set tiebreaker. The Austrian ended a six-year drought for first-time major winners on the men’s tour in the process, after finishing runner-up in his first three Slam finals.

Thiem ended his 2020 season by outclassing Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic en route to a second title match showing at the year-end Nitto ATP Finals. Daniil Medvedev prevailed in three sets to finish his year on a 10-match win streak.