Four seasons in one day no problem for US Open champion Thiem

World No. 3 and reigning US Open champion Dominic Thiem believes the playing conditions at next week’s Australian Open will be similar to the grand slam he won in New York.

Thiem, who broke through with his maiden grand slam last year and is seen as the biggest threat to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, represents Austria this week in the ATP Cup.

Drawn in group three with France and Italy, Thiem will take on Gael Monfils and Matteo Berrettini at Melbourne Park.

Dominic Thiem. Credit:Getty Images

John Millman, Australia’s No.2 in the tournament, told The Age last week that players were telling him the courts were faster this year and similar to last year’s US Open at Flushing Meadows.

Thiem believes Melbourne’s erratic weather could have a big impact on the playing surfaces.

“Every day conditions are changing,” Thiem said.

“Here can be hot, so it’s faster one day, and then the next day it’s like 20 degrees cooler, so the surface and the courts are way slower.

“We had the first practice before and I think it’s pretty similar to last year. I liked it a lot and it’s also not too much difference to New York, so it should be fine for everyone and a pretty fair surface.”

Thiem, 27, said he’s looking forward to crowds returning to tennis for the Australian Open but admits he’s become accustomed to playing behind closed doors.

The state government confirmed over the weekend that up to 30,000 fans will be able to attend the tournament each day.

The capacity limit will be in place for the first eight days of the Open, before being reduced to 25,000 once the quarter finals begin.

Dominic Thiem plays a backhand during an Adelaide exhibition match last month. Credit:Getty Images

“Me, personally, I got used to it,” Thiem said.

“It was never that fun because there were matches with very high level of tennis with no crowds so it was super strange but playing wise I got used to it

“The same will be here, if there is a crowd again.

“It will take some games, or half-an-hour to get used to it again, because it is different with all the sounds. Maybe you’re a little bit more nervous because you also play for the crowd, you want to entertain them.”

Thiem lost to Nadal in an intriguing exhibition match in Adelaide last week. The Spaniard broke him once in each set to win 7-5 6-4 in just under 90 minutes.

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