Dominic Thiem in action during the final of the 2020 Australian Open (Getty)
Austrian star Dominic Thiem is aiming to move up in the rankings after a great start to the season.
The 26-year-old was unlucky to lose in the final of the 2020 Australian Open. He had some great chances to win the fourth set against Novak Djokovic, but the Serbian fought back to win the clash in five sets.
Thiem sits fourth in the rankings at the moment, just 85 points behind third-placed Roger Federer.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are in the 9,000s while Thiem is just at 7,045 and has his eyes set on breaking into the top three (h/t Rio Open):
“Of course I’m happy that I’m at my career high but I really would like to get the number three spot. I think that if I play well here I can make it. I know it’s a challenge but it’s also a nice goal for the upcoming weeks.”
This will also be Thiem’s first tournament since the Australian Open final. The Austrian had to withdraw from a competition in Argentina but claimed Rio was like home to him:
“I love Rio and South America in general so for me it was a no-brainer coming here. Unfortunately I had to withdraw from Buenos Aires, but I love playing in the clay and it kind of feels like coming home.”
Djokovic and Nadal are far away from the sights of Thiem but Federer could be usurped by the Austrian.
The Swiss sensation has cut down on his schedule too in 2020 and the only clay court competition he will play in is the French Open.
An early exit here or there, coupled with Thiem doing well, could see the Austrian become the No.3 ranked player in the world.
Catching up to the top two is out of the question, but Thiem can put them under pressure by winning the Rio Open.
Twitter reacts as Bethanie Mattek-Sands posts a photo of her kissing Serena Williams
Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan slams Australian Open final supporters
Bill Gates gets better of Rafael Nadal with skilful lob at the 2020 Match for Africa
Follow our dedicated Tennis page for instant Tennis news and updates
