Australian Open 2017: 5 Dark Horses Who Could Win Big

Modified Jan 10, 2017 05:13 GMT

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 06: Alexander Zverev of Germany a forehand to Dan Evans of Great Britain plays in the men's singles match during day six of the 2017 Hopman Cup at Perth Arena on January 6, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) — Alexander ‘Sascha’ Zverev has been described as many – including Roger Federer – as a future No.1

3. Dominic Thiem

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 09: Dominic Thiem of Austria serves during the Fast4 International Exhibition match between Dominic Thiem and Bernard Tomic at the ICC Sydney Theatre on January 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images) — Thiem had a packed 2016 season, which may have worked to his detriment – but he is a frontrunner

2016 season left us all in a dilemma regarding Thiem’s future.

Though the first half of the season indicated a future Grand Slam champion waiting to be unleashed in the Austrian, the second half showed a tired and exhausted player, and part of that is down to incorrect prioritization.

Thiem is an amazing talent – there are no two ways about it, but just talent is not enough if you wish to win a Grand Slam. To win a Grand Slam you have to win 7 consecutive best of five set matches in two weeks and this is where the mental part of the game comes into play.

The young Austrian will need to plan better and be smart in his decision making and setting priorities.

He played 26 tournaments last year, compared to 17 each by Djokovic and Murray. If Thiem can streamline his energy to crucial torunaments, then we are all set to witness one of the best stories of 2017 in Thiem.