Dominic Thiem may want to go back on the Challenger tour
After his weak start to the year,Dominic Thiem (ATP No. 106) is considering returning to the Challenger level for a few tournaments.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Mar 25, 2023, 12:02 pm
Just one win in three months - not enough for someone like Dominic Thiem, who just can't get into the flow after his injury break in 2021. Despite the promising late 2022.
It was the same as so often in Miami: It was Thiem's turn, he could have won round one against Lorenzo Sonego just as well; in the end, however, there was a two-set defeat and a Dominic Thiem, for whom one could feel sorry. And who complained about a drop in tension in the second set, a slight lack of concentration until 0:4, which ultimately justified the defeat.
The fact is: Thiem is not gaining momentum and is miles away from the goal of being one of the seeded players again at the French Open.
Dominic Thiem: Start in Estoril - and then at Challenger level?
So now the preparation for the clay court season begins, a start at the tournament in Estoril (from April 3rd) seems in prospect, but also a few weeks on the level below, on the ATP Challenger Tour. "One or two weeks" are being considered, "just to maybe get a few victories there," as he said after his Miami exit . Because in Monte Carlo "only players like Sonego are waiting, who get their top level week after week, which I'm not able to do at the moment. Maybe it's too difficult at that level for me to win a few matches."
A good plan? Possible - especially since Thiem was never able to tear anything in Monte Carlo, even in heydays, a quarter-final in 2018 was the highest of feelings in the principality. Thiem has much better memories of the following Masters in Madrid, two finals and two semifinals (and victories over Rafael Nadal). Even if Thiem is also considering an appearance at Challenger level at the time.
Because one thing is clear: the annual balance of 1:8 - it has to get better in order to get back to well-known regions of the world rankings.