Neil Diamond song ‘Sweet Caroline’ music to ears of Aus Open finalist Dominic Thiem
Dominic Thiem has revealed a classic track played on Rod Laver Arena during a frustrating break caused by a lighting malfunction helped him refocus and carve out a stunning Aus Open semi final victory over Alexander Zverev.
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Turns out music really does soothe the soul.
Malfunctioning lights caused a break of more than 10 minutes after the first game of the third set of the Australian Open semi final clash between Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev.
The Austrian, who came from a set down to win 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(3) has revealed it helped calm his nerves.
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More specifically, a tune that reminded him of home blared out of the Rod Laver Arena speakers – Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond.
“I like that song. I felt like I’m in Austria on skiing holidays,” Thiem said.
“That’s where they play that song all the time.
“It was loosening me up a little bit.”
"I felt like I'm in Austria on skiing holidays, that's where they play this song all the time." â›·ï¸
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 31, 2020
Sweet Caroline, the secret ingredient for @ThiemDomi 😂#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/rAURYFGgst
He would go on to win the next two sets, despite battling an upset tummy.
“I was feeling nerves, I think,” he said.
“I was putting so much energy and effort in.
“My stomach was not ready for that, I think it was rebelling a little bit.
“But all good. I sometimes have it (a sore stomach) when I’m in really close and tough matches, but all is good, it went away again.”
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Chair umpire John Blom explained the situation with the lighting during the third set break.
“Lights behind the baseline have gone out. We are trying to see if we can get them turned back on,” he said.
Herald Sun columnist Sam Groth was courtside.
“I am not sure which ones they are. They are trying to work it out inside here the stadium.
“I didn’t think it was lights out. I am sitting here with (Simona Halep’s coach) Darren Cahill and we can’t pick which lights are out.
“I don’t think it has made a difference.
“For the players out there maybe they notice it but we can’t notice.
“John Blom out there saying ‘Can we play with what we got?’
“There is a crew in there trying to work things out.”
