Dominic Thiem on mental hole: "Knew that I would get out again"
For the first time since his unsuccessful trips to Doha and Dubai, Dominic Thiem intervenes again in the tournament at the ATP Masters tournament in Madrid.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: May 01, 2021, 07:08 pm
The 2021 clay court season begins for Dominic Thiem, and it has not been with as many question marks as this year for a long time.
Thiem had recently admitted that he was in a personal corona crisis, the bubble life is also draining him. In addition, by winning the US Open 2020, he had achieved his big goal in life, which he had worked towards from an early age. A small motivation hole? Probably only human.
In Madrid, the Lichtenwörther wants to find his way back into the competition track. Five wins out of four defeats are so far on his list in 2021, too few for his claims. Will things get better in Madrid? The fitness level is right again, Thiem explained on site in Madrid, and when it comes to tennis, "it also worked out during training." But Thiem knows: "What happens in training and in the fitness room and comes out on match day? Are completely different pairs of shoes." Especially since he has not competed against a top player for a long time.
In Madrid that would at least take a while. Thiem meets the winner of a qualifier duel after a bye at the start, then his Melbourne conqueror Grigor Dimitrov or his Dubai winner, Lloyd Harris could wait. Alternatively, the Australian endurance runner Alex de Minaur or local hero Jaume Munar would be ready. Simple: sounds different.
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Thiem on matches after long breaks: "Mastering a few problems"
Thiem wants to play in Rome after Madrid, then insert another tournament, Lyon could have good cards. The clear goal: "To be physically and playfully in the best shape" at the French Open and to have a few matches by then. The expectations for Madrid itself? Thiem muffled clearly. "I'm not the type for whom it will be right again in matches. Even after the off-season in December, I usually have a few problems. I'm curious how it will be this time." But he hopes that the altitude of Madrid and his memories of the tournament will have a positive effect.
Thiem, however, has no doubts that he will come out of his low. After all, it was not the first time, according to the fourth in the world rankings. Who is convinced that the break was good for him, that he needed it. But also makes it clear: "It's time to be back."
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