Also many of us including me have said before, and I’ll repeat that I strongly feel that Thiem can win this tournament, as there’s no competition for him unless Djokovic decides to participate in the tournament.
I am wondering, if he can be proud of it, if he does and if it would be an enjoyable moment for him. He will be in the history books, but for me it would be with an asterisk next to it, if the best players are missing.
Even with all the money involved and to be earned, these guys are sportsman and competitiors by heart and I wouldn't feel
too proud, if I win the US Open this year under these circumstances. But maybe thats just me. It's still an achievement, but would leave a bad taste in my mouth nonetheless.
It's a bit like Federer finally winning Roland Garros in 2009. He completed his personal Grand Slam, but he didn't beat the clay GOAT en route to it. So for me this win has a little asterisk to it as well and I wonder if Federer feels a bit the same. When I win something, I want to do it against the best of the best and not against a weakened field to be 100% proud and able to enjoy it.