What we learned from the Madrid Masters 2017

Dominic Thiem is a force to be reckoned with

Thiem had two back-to-back clay finals against Rafael Nadal and put up more than a solid fight

Austrian ace Dominic Thiem, currently the World No. 9, is considered among the best of the current generation, and at 23 is already at #9. Although he has seen patchy form over the past few years with a few injuries along the way, Thiem has, since his early professional career, declared himself as the definitive new force on clay.

Of his 8 career titles, 6 of Thiem’s titles were on clay.

With two back-to-back clay court finals at various levels, Thiem could well find yet another opportunity to prove himself, with both Novak Djokovic and World No 1. Andy Murray struggling on the surface of late. That not only opens up the field but considering how strong Thiem has been on clay, he’ll well defeat them too.

He put up quite the fight against Nadal at the finals of the Mutua Madrid Open, managing to swing control in his own favour on several occasions despite Nadal’s defensive tennis.

Thiem’s groundstrokes are strong, heavy and powerful. And when Dominic Thiem’s forehand is on form, it can break the strongest of defences – including that all-powerful one of Rafael Nadal. Unfortunately, Thiem has been patchy with that forehand, and often ends up sending loopy, uncontrolled shots that seem both misdirected and unaimed. Should he be able to completely hone and round his serve, we have no doubt the player can become a force to reckon with at Roland Garros alone.