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Dominic Thiem Roland Garros 2020
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‘I feel way better than expected’ – Dominic Thiem after beating Alex De Minaur in Madrid


Dominic Thiem said he feels “way better than expected” but can “still feel the lack of matches” after beating Alex De Minaur to reach the Madrid Open quarter-finals.

The world No. 4 won 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 against the Australian in the third round of the Masters 1000 tournament on Thursday, after saving a set point in the first set tiebreak.

The 27-year-old is playing in his first event since Dubai in March.

“There were many long rallies, [which is] exactly what I need right now. I am very, very happy again with my performance. It was nice. I love the conditions, the court and the tournament,” Thiem said in a post-match interview.

“I feel way better than expected. In some points and some rallies, I still feel the lack of matches. I am a little bit more out of breath, I am a little bit too tight in some shots and some strokes.

“Everything has to be a little more relaxed again to be in the match mode. I lost a little bit of intensity after winning that close first set.

“I have to get back in a rhythm, but the more matches I play against these top guys, the quicker I will get back in the match rhythm I need.”

The Austrian will face either Andrey Rublev or John Isner in the quarter-finals.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.