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Dominic Thiem Australian Open 2021 ATP
ATP Tennis Players, Dominic Thiem, Tennis News

‘It is hotter and faster’, Dominic Thiem compares Dubai conditions to Doha


US Open champion Dominic Thiem begins his campaign at the Dubai Tennis Championships against Lloyd Harris on Tuesday.

The world No. 4 and top seed received a bye into the second round of the ATP 500 event, while Harris beat Christopher O’Connell in the first round. Thiem is playing in Dubai for the first time since 2015.

The 27-year-old Austrian played at the Qatar Open ATP 250 event in Doha last week – where he was defeated by Roberto Bautista Agut in the quarter-finals.

“Since Saturday I have been preparing for my second tournament in the sheikhdom in the desert, the conditions are definitely slightly different: It is hotter in Dubai, the courts are faster as well,” said Thiem in a post on his website.

“I can’t wait for my first match against the South African Lloyd Harris, who has had two highlights so far this year.

“At the Australian Open Lloyd reached the third round, and now recently in Doha he beat Stan Warwrinka in three sets. I feel warned – I need to be careful!

“My practice sessions of the last days have been good, I played a couple of sets, played a lot of points. Basically I like it in the desert. I gained some new experiences.

“The hotels are right next to the venue, the distances are short, the weather couldn’t be any better – taking it all in it’s really comfortable. Doha and Dubai could be a nice alternative to going to South America in the future.

“I am really happy about my reunion with my coach. Nicolas Massu and I haven’t seen each other since the ATP Finals in London last November.

“On court we immediately felt harmonious, he truly is an important part of my team. Now we are working intensively so we can hopefully celebrate victories together soon.”


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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.