Thiem, Goffin Visit Historic Sofia Site

Dominic Thiem and David Goffin are set to bid for the Garanti Koza Sofia Open crown this week in Bulgaria, but the duo took to a different venue Tuesday morning in a historic part of the city. The top two seeds visited Ancient Serdica archaeological complex for a brief hit in the capital’s Ancient Roman complex.

“It’s a special occasion, a special area,” said second seed Goffin. “I didn’t know it was such a special place here in Sofia. I saw this place and I will try to visit more if I have time this week because I heard it’s a very nice city.

“I’m really impressed by the arena, it’s big and brand new,” said the Belgian, who will face Radu Albot in his opening match in the second round on Wednesday. “It’s not going to be easy. It’s never easy to play the first match in the tournament, but I’m feeling ready.”

Largely below street level, the historic complex covers an area of about 9,000 square metres and includes eight streets and an early Christian basilica. The two stars hit in an amphitheatre under a glass dome at the square between the Council of the Ministers and the Presidency.

“It’s an impressive arena… I hope that it’s packed when we play,” Thiem said of the tournament’s venue. “Also the city is nice so I’m happy to play my first round soon.”

The Austrian will face the winner of the match between Nikoloz Basilashvili and Adrian Mannarino in the second round.