Watch: Thiem Talks Breakthrough, Djokovic's Comeback

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Watch: Thiem Talks Breakthrough, Djokovic's Comeback

Experienced champions ruled Grand Slams with 31-year-old Rafael Nadal and 36-year-old Roger Federer each winning two major titles to finish 2017 as the top two in the world.

Currently, only four men age 25 or younger reside in the Top 20—fourth-ranked Alexander Zverev, fifth-ranked Dominic Thiem, world No. 8 Jack Sock and No. 18 Lucas Pouille—but Thiem believes the young guard is poised for a major breakthrough.

More: Djokovic Talks Major Comeback Aims

“I think we should,” Thiem told Sport360.com ahead of his appearance in Abu Dhabi this week. “At the Masters 1000 we did it already last year like we’ve seen two (Masters) titles of Sasha (Zverev) and also the other tournaments. But at the majors, Roger and Rafa they were just too strong. I think this you have to accept. But at one point you have to also make the breakthrough at the majors and I think 2018 is time for it.”

Two-time Roland Garros semifinalist Thiem believes 12-time champion Novak Djokovic will comeback strong in 2018.

“I think we can expect the same because he’s, I think, in the same league as Roger and Rafa as one of the greatest players of all time,” Thiem said of Djokovic. “I think he’s even probably more dangerous and better if his injury is fine and if he had time to recharge everything. I think everyone wants to know how he is playing again. We’ll see his first matches here.”

Thiem expects other Top 10 players returning from injuries—including Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori—to face more challenges in their comebacks.

“So for them it’s not going to be easy,” Thiem said. “Some of them were out for a long time. Maybe Novak, but I think nobody else will make a comeback like Roger and Rafa. It’s too tough, I guess. I think everybody can look forward to a great start to the season.”

Photo credit: Paul Zimmer/Mercedes Cup

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