Thiem wants to win maiden Grand Slam while Big 3 'are still around'

Thiem started by summarizing the match he played against Djokovic. It was a really close match when the Austrian lost in 5 sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 4-6.

“In the last two sets, I definitely gave everything I had. Novak is part of three guys who are by far the best players ever who played tennis. If you play a Grand Slam final against him, it's always going to be a match where very small details are deciding [it],” Thiem said. “Maybe I could have converted the break point in the fourth set where I could have the 2-1 lead… Of course, there were some small mistakes here and there, but they're happening. At the end it was a super close five-setter. I don't really regret anything.”

Thiem also spoke about Big 3, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. He lost to Nadal twice in the final at the Roland Garros and this time also Djokovic defeated him in the Grand Slam title. Thiem says, he wants to win his first Grand Slam title while the 'they are still around because it just counts more'.

“These guys brought tennis to a complete new level. They also brought me probably to a much better level,” Thiem said. “It was easier for sure in a different era to win big titles, that's 100 per cent. But I'm happy I can compete with these guys on the best level. I really also hope that I win my maiden Slam when they're still around, because it just counts more.”

“It's unique in sports history that the three best players by far are playing in the same era. That's what makes it very, very difficult for other players to break through,” Thiem said. “As a different player than them, you have to beat at least two of them to win a big title. Almost all players [have] failed to do that. That's what makes it so tough.”

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