“It makes me very confident” – Dominic Thiem aware he can now play at a high level in a Grand Slam

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5 years ago

Dominic Thiem (R) has lost three Grand Slam finals (AFP)

Dominic Thiem, despite the loss to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, played at the highest level since his quarterfinal match against Rafael Nadal

Australian Open runner-up Dominic Thiem claims that he is now aware he can play on a very high level on a full Grand Slam as his biggest takeaway from the tournament.

Thiem, who to date has not won a Slam event faltered in the final stages of the Australian Open to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, pulling curtains on his hopes of maiden Grand Slam title.

However, despite the loss, Thiem said that he leaves the competition a happy man having tied off against quality players, who play at the highest level.

Australian Open runner-up Dominic Thiem celebrates after winning a point during one of his matches in the tournament. (Getty Images)

The 26-year old was replying to a journalist, who had asked him what he considered as his biggest takeaway from the tournament during a post-match press conference.

“Yeah, of course, but the finals night was a very great match. It was small details which was deciding, then also the way I kept my level, kept my tension over two weeks because I didn’t have easy matches, especially from the quarter zone,” Thiem started explaining.

“Beating Rafa, over four hours, then two days later going back again against Sasha. Unbelievable, intense, close match and then again two days later going out against Novak, who won the most titles here and again play on a very high level”, the Austrian continued.

“So, I am really aware and sure now that I can play on a very high level for a full Grand Slam. I didn’t have any drops and that doesn’t make me proud but it makes me very confident for the next big tournaments which are coming up,” he said hopefully.

Thiem more motivated to return

Meanwhile, Thiem was of the opinion that he felt more motivated to come back for the next Grand Slam after his excellent run at the recently concluded Australian Open.

The potential future star was answering a reporter’s query as to what overwhelming emotion he felt after the tournament to which he replied,