“Don’t Know How It Is to Play”: Dominic Thiem on Playing Kyrgios or Humbert at Australian Open 2021

Austrian World No.3 Dominic Thiem is on his way to find his second major title at the Australian Open 2021. He has now made it into the third round, defeating Germany’s Dominik Koepfer 6-4, 6-0, 6-2. Looking ahead, the last year’s finalist is ready to face either Nick Kyrgios or Ugo Humbert in his next match.

With two straight-sets wins consecutively, the Austrian ace has found himself in a confident position in the tournament. However, Dominic Thiem’s next opponent will bring him a tough test to pass. Nonetheless, he is going to watch their match and be prepared for any of the two.

Moreover, the Austrian wishes them luck for their match and will face the winner the day after. He said, “May the better [player] win today and I’ll wait for them on Friday.”

Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 8, 2021, Austria’s Dominic Thiem reacts during his first-round match against Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin REUTERS/Kelly Defina

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Among Thiem’s possible opponents, the Australian star Nick Kyrgios will have strong support from the home crowd behind him. His records against top players also put him in an advantageous seat.

But for Kyrgios to go ahead, first he will have to pass the Ugo Humbert test. The 22-year-old French player has had a wonderful 2020, reaching his career highest-ranking of 30. They will set up a great contest to meet the reigning US Open champion in round 3 of the Australian Open 2021.

Even Thiem himself will catch the live-action of the match. “Of course I’m gonna watch that match. I didn’t face yet both opponent.”

Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 10, 2021, Australia’s Nick Kyrgios in action during his second-round match against France’s Ugo Humbert REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Furthermore, he mentioned he had met the Aussie star once in Nice, France. But Kyrgios had retired after the 7th game, giving less chance to Thiem to understand his game. The 27-year-old Austrian has also not faced Ugo in his career before.

He said after his second-round win, “Nick I think we just played a few games and then he had to retire. So I don’t know how it is to play against both of them but definitely gonna watch it and looking forward to it.” Catch the whole video here.

Last year, Ugo Humbert met Nick Kyrgios in Acapulco, Mexico. There, the Australian retired from the match after losing the first set 6-3. Who do you think will face Dominic Thiem in the next round?

Also Read: “I’m a Bit Like Stan Wawrinka”: Dominic Thiem Feels He Cannot Be Compared to Rafael Nadal