Dominic Thiem - "Step by step" back to old strength
Dominic Thiem has had a disappointing season so far. Nevertheless, the Austrian continues to be combative.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Mar 26, 2023, 04:27 pm
After the very promising end of the 2022 season, Dominic Thiem had probably calculated a lot for the 2023 season. Well, after the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Miami and an annual record of 1:8, it must first be said that the 29-year-old is currently miles away from his top form.
Most recently, Thiem spoke openly of mental problems. Apparently he doesn't like external support very much. "Of course, a little help is always good, but in the end I have to sort it out myself. I'm on the pitch myself, I'm alone outside," said the Lichtenwörther. "On the pitch, in the match, nobody can help me. I have to see that I can get it under control. I also lack self-confidence. I have to see that I can get it back. Maybe I can win a bigger win and I can do that the knot loosens a bit."
Thiem: "At the moment it's all about the small steps"
"Step by step", Thiem explained on social media, he would work his way forward again. "Right now, it's all about the small steps for me." Recently, however, these steps have tended to go in the wrong direction. Because in the past four tournaments, the former world number three had to accept an opening defeat.
Thiem himself does not have an explanation as to why things are not going according to plan at all at the moment: "Since I came to North America from South America, I have trained well and consistently. I make sure that I continue to train like this, including fitness – especially for sand, where that is important."
Thiem starts in Estoril
Thiem's next appearance is at the ATP 250 tournament in Estoril (April 3rd to 9th). In Portugal, the 2020 US Open winner is likely to come into the main draw without a wildcard, but the situation is naturally different at the ATP Masters 1000 events in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.
Not least because of this, Thiem is considering a return to the Challenger tour. With victories at the second ATP level, the Lower Austrian could not only gain self-confidence, but also collect points for the world rankings. Because this is what the current world number 106 needs. gradually so as not to have to rely on a wildcard at the French Open (March 28th to June 11th).