Dominic Thiem (AUT), Lucas Pouille (FRA) and Tomas Berdych (CZE) will join Rafael Nadal (ESP), Novak Djokovic (SRB), Stan Wawrinka (SUI), Nick Kyrgios (AUS) and Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) at Tie Break Tens in Melbourne on 10 January.
The final list of the eight players who will battle it out at the ‘tournament in a night’ for the incredible prize of $250,000 was announced today.
Under the retractable roof of Margaret Court Arena (MCA), the fans will enjoy a unique show as eight world-class players seek to produce unforgettable moments of magic in 10-point tie break matches.
Dominic Thiem is one of the most feared players on tour. Since exploding onto the scene in 2015, the Austrian player has simply not stopped winning and already boasts eight trophies in his cabinet. Although his record demonstrates that clay is clearly his favourite surface, the current world No.5 has already claimed titles on both hard court (Acapulco) and grass (Stuttgart). A forehand laced with spin, tremendous consistency and his winning mentality earned him an extraordinary 2017 with outstanding results, making him one of the men to fear in 2018.
“As the Tie Break Tens Vienna Champion (2016) I am looking forward to playing the tournament for a second time in Melbourne and having the opportunity for another shot at the title! The format is fast, and you have to be quick off the mark. I know from experience, there is no time to settle in, so I hope the rest of the field is ready! MCA is spectacular and the field of players is amazing: so, I am sure the fans will be treated to an exciting evening of tennis. I hope they come to cheer us on and have a great time!” Thiem said.
Lucas Pouille has established himself as one of the best in the world. The French player finished two seasons on the trot in the top 20 and in May 2017 he reached world No.13, his highest ranking yet. After winning his first tournament in Metz, he now has plenty more trophies to adorn his cabinet. Last season he was triumphant in Budapest, Stuttgart and Vienna, successes that all came on different surfaces (clay, grass and indoor hard court), demonstrating his versatility and an ability to adapt to any kind of court. He was also the hero of the Davis Cup final, claiming the definitive point for France to win its tenth Saladier. The greatest victory in his career came in the 2016 US Open, where he reached the quarter-finals after seeing off Rafael Nadal in a final-set tie break (8-6). At 23 years of age he will be playing in his second Tie Break Tens.
"I’m very excited to play in a Tie Break Tens event again. I really enjoyed the tournament in Madrid in May 2017, but this year I hope to win a few more matches and to fight for the title. It’s a quick format and you can’t lose your focus for a moment. I’m sure the fans in Australia are going to have a lot of fun and be treated to a great night! It is a brilliant way to start a tournament and also the 2018 season,” Pouille said.
Tomas Berdych has managed to keep his place among the elite in an era that is notable for the dominance of the so-called ‘Big 4' and fought for the biggest trophies over the last decade. His remarkable career includes, as well as numerous singles titles, two Davis Cups, largely thanks to the enormous commitment he has always shown to his country. Despite the eternal youthfulness of his features and his impeccable physique, he is now one of the tour's most experienced players. His tenacity, consistency and determination mean that he is feared by all. After playing in the event that took place in the Caja Mágica, will the Czech be able to mount a successful assault on the Tie Break Tens in Melbourne?
“I am thrilled to play in my second Tie Break Tens event and I am really looking forward to playing against the guys again in Melbourne next week. This will be great preparation for the Australian Open. I can’t wait!” Berdych said.
The thrilling quick-fire format of Tie Break Tens will make its first appearance in Australia on Wednesday 10 January, and is a great opportunity for fans to enjoy stunning matches between eight of the world’s best players, all on the same evening.