Massu reflects on Thiem's triumph at 2019 BNP Paribas Open

2019 BNP Paribas Open champion, Dominic Thiem did not have an opportunity to defend his title this year as the tournament in Indian Wells was cancelled due to Coronavirus.

Without a tournament this year, Thiem's coach, Nicolas Massu reflected on a last year's tournament. Thiem had a stunning journey in Indian Wells last year. The Austrian defeated Thompson, Simon, and Karlovic without losing a set.

Then, Monfils withdrew from the tournament what allowed Dominic to reach the semifinal. The Austrian defeated Milos Raonic in a 3-set battle to set up a final against Roger Federer. There, Thiem defeated the Swiss in another 3-set battle to lift the title in Indian Wells.

“We started to prepare for that tournament in Rio de Janeiro, just after Dominic lost there in [round one],” remembers the former World No. 9. “We were on a fast court and we trained for nearly seven days there in Brazil in very intense heat. Then we traveled to Indian Wells, where we had a kind of two-week pre-season. He had had several problems in Australia and he lacked a little fitness. All those hours of work were essential.”

“There were so many positive feelings,” Massu told ATPTour.com. “Winning the last point against Roger in the final was the most exciting moment, it meant sealing a very important title, his first in an ATP Masters 1000 and after such a short time working together.”

“We did small things that made the difference,” said Massu, who also advised his pupil during that fortnight to mix up the spin and dare to play surprising shots to shorten points. “That tournament laid the foundations. There was progress on fast courts, which is why he called me in.”

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