“The most entertaining player in tennis history”: Dominic Thiem makes bold claim about Carlos Alcaraz
ATP
Dominic Thiem believes tennis fans attending the Vienna Open this week are in for a special experience, describing Carlos Alcaraz as potentially the most entertaining player in the history of the sport.
The former US Open champion praised the Spaniard's ability to put on a show and encouraged spectators to take advantage of the opportunity to watch him compete at the Erste Bank Open.
Alcaraz was a late addition to the ATP 500 tournament after the postponement of the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia, which had originally been scheduled for October 21-24. The exhibition was moved to December, prompting the Vienna organizers to contact the Spaniard's management and secure his participation for the indoor hard-court event.
The world No. 3 will return to Vienna for the first time since 2021, when he reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Alexander Zverev. His arrival adds another major attraction to a field that already includes Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Alex de Minaur, Flavio Cobolli and Frances Tiafoe.
Thiem calls Alcaraz one of tennis' most entertaining players
For Thiem, who won the Vienna title in 2019 and retired from professional tennis in 2024, Alcaraz's presence gives fans an opportunity to watch one of the sport's biggest stars up close.
The Austrian knows what it means to compete in front of the local crowd and has now made clear how highly he rates the Spaniard's entertainment value. “Probably the most entertaining player to watch in the entire history of tennis," the former world No. 3 said. "I don't think there are many who can match him."
Thiem's praise highlights a defining feature of Alcaraz's game: his combination of explosive shot-making, athleticism and creativity. "What he does is just incredible, the show he puts on is amazing," Dominic Thiem added. "And I think everyone who's lucky enough to have tickets this week has so much to look forward to.”
The Spaniard frequently hits spectacular winners and executes unexpected changes of direction, making his matches compelling beyond the simple contest for points and titles. The seven-time Grand Slam champion will look to secure his fourth title of the season and continue building momentum ahead of the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals.
Alcaraz's late commitment also gives him another competitive opportunity ahead of the final stretch of the season. After winning the Tokyo title, he suffered an early exit at the Shanghai Masters against Zizou Bergs. Vienna will allow him to regain match rhythm before the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals, while competing for another ATP 500 trophy.
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The tournament organizers have scheduled Alcaraz's first match for Tuesday, October 27, at the Wiener Stadthalle. His presence has already generated additional interest, with a limited allocation of standing-room tickets released for his opening appearance.
For spectators in Vienna, Thiem's message is straightforward: Alcaraz is not simply another top-ranked player added to the draw. He is an entertainer whose style makes watching him live a distinctive experience. With the Spaniard returning to the Austrian capital after five years, the Vienna Open has secured one of the sport's biggest attractions for its 2026 edition.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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