Woodbridge backs Thiem to challenge big names: "He’s devised the game to beat the Big Three, and done it with power and precision"

Thursday, 12 December 2019 at 14:00

Todd Woodbridge, former player turned analyst has given his thoughts ahead of the Australian Open on players to watch and has given Dominic Thiem as the main one.

Woodbridge called Thiem a great ball striker before but now he has started becoming a well rounded player and has concluded a game which can now challenge the Big Three.

“You have to look at Thiem. The physicality in his body is fantastic. He’s just ripping the ball,” Woodbridge said.

“He obviously played brilliantly at the end of the year in the ATP Finals. He didn’t win the final, but I think he’s the one who’s ready to win a Slam, because of that.

“I always felt he was a great ball striker, but was not necessarily playing great tennis – his tactical prowess and awareness, his intelligence on the court, was not as good as it should have been. He’s now starting to show us a little more of that; he’s now hitting to set up to dominate with a power shot.

“He’s now controlling the court as well, and ever so slightly, we’re starting to see him finish more points at net. The confidence is starting to build in that respect as well.

“His game has evolved to beat Federer, he has managed to stay with Rafa, and if you can penetrate Novak’s defences and have him lose confidence in his moving, then you can beat him.

“He’s devised the game to beat the Big Three, and done it with power and precision.”

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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