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imago images / Paul Zimmer
![This time Thiem likes to do without Federer as an opponent.]()
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This time Thiem likes to do without Federer as an opponent.
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AFP
![Dominic Thiem counts himself as one of the top three favorites.]()
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Dominic Thiem counts himself as one of the top three favorites.
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imago images/Hasenkopf
![Roger Federer 2018 with the Australian Open trophy.]()
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Roger Federer 2018 with the Australian Open trophy.
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AFP
![Rafael Nadal is also one of Thiem's toughest opponents.]()
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Rafael Nadal is also one of Thiem’s toughest opponents.
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While Roger Federer was one of the Big 3 at the Aussie Open last year, today it is Austrian Dominic Thiem who is named in the same breath as the top favorites Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The Austrian was already in the final in Melbourne, demanding everything from the Serbian winner Djokovic over five sets. It was the starting shot for the final breakthrough. At the US Open, Thiem made himself the Grand Slam winner.
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The same will continue for the next two weeks. Thiem trusts himself to be one of the favorites – but at the same time admits that he is not unhappy about the lack of the Swiss superstar, who is still ranked 5th in the world. «One less tough opponent», says the Austrian straight out, «the coming weeks will probably be one of the last in which Roger won’t play. So let’s still enjoy it! “
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Better in freedom after quarantine than in the bubble
Of course, he only means that with a wink. Thiem, like everyone in the tennis scene, would be happy when Federer made his comeback at the Doha tournament in March. And like all other players, Thiem is currently lacking reliable measured values at tournament level to precisely assess his state of form.
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At least he is satisfied with his training, which – unlike many others – he was able to complete in addition to his hotel room quarantine Down Under. “It was completely different from the last few years, with no happy fans on the pitch and accordingly without the typical Australian anticipation for the tournament,” says “Domi” in Melbourne. “But at least from now on we can move freely as always – that’s much better than being stuck in a bubble like at the last tournaments.”
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Serbian fans are missing Djokovic
However, Thiem again assigns the absolute favorite role to eight-time champion Djokovic. “No doubt about it, especially here the conditions are perfect for him, self-confidence increases automatically.” However, one thing is also different for the «Djoker» than it used to be: «He may not have the incredible support of the many Serbs that there is always here in Australia.» Due to the corona pandemic, only locals are allowed to take part in this year’s “Happy Slam”.
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The most important thing about the Australian Open![]()
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The Australian Open will take place in Melbourne from February 8 to 21, 2021. Schedule, records, rules – everything you need to know can be found by clicking the button below.
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Federer comeback in March: “I’ll try it in Qatar”(01:00)
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Published: 02/07/2021, 8:05 p.m.-
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