Dominic Thiem also showered praise upon Novak Djokovic, who has won a record seven titles at the Australian Open

Dominic Thiem claims that taking calculated risks would be the key element required to beat his opponent Novak Djokovic in the upcoming Australian Open final on Sunday.

Thiem bagged his maiden Australian Open summit clash appearance overcoming Alexander Zverev 3-6, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 earlier on Friday.

The fifth seed was in conversation with journalists when one of the reporters asked him what he considered would be the key to defeating Djokovic, who has won quite a few tough encounters in Australia.

“I think I have to keep a good balance. Of course, I have to risk a lot, I have to go for many shots but at the same time of course not too much and that’s a very thin line,” he opined.

However, he seemed optimistic about his chances, ushering back memories of his win in London last year at the ATP World Tour Finals.

“In the last match against him, I hit that line perfectly in London. So of course, going to take a look at that match, how I played and try to repeat it,” a confident Thiem said. He was also quick to shower praise upon his opponent in the final and added that he felt good and would his absolute best.

“But for sure he is the favourite. I mean he won seven titles here, never lost a final, going for his eighth one but I am feeling good on the court, I am playing great tennis. So, try to be my absolute best on Sunday,” Thiem concluded.

Djokovic has the advantage of time

‘King of Australia’, Djokovic, has the advantage of time on his part ahead of his summit clash against Dominic Thiem.

The defending champion played his last match on Thursday and has obtained an extra day to recover unlike Thiem, who just finished his game yesterday.

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Having spent close to eight hours on the court in his last two games, it remains to be seen whether Thiem will have enough energy left in his tank for Sunday’s epic clash.

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