Thiem downgrades to Challengers to get his mojo back

Former ATP No. 3 Dominic Thiem has gone back to basics as the 2020 US Open winner struggles to re-discover the fire in his game after a wrist injury two years ago.

The Austrian currently sits just inside the Top 100 but has opted to play this week at the lower-level home event in Mauthausen instead of the ongoing Rome Masters.

He says it’s all a part of regaining his drive after what was admittedly a concentration crash landing after winning his Grand Slam title three years ago.

” After winning the US Open, I lost some of my inner drive, having worked towards that goal for 17 years,” the 29-year-old said.

“Then, the injury occurred (June, 2021 in Spain)  and suddenly I wasn’t ranked in the Top 3 or considered one of the best players in the world – I dropped in the rankings.”

But he told local media that an attitude change is helping him fight out of his long-term dip in form. 

“After much reflection, I found a new goal and reignited my passion for tennis. I love going out on the court, practicing hard, and competing. I strive to improve every day, never giving up.

“Over the last month, I’ve had great intensity in practice, spending five hours or more per day on the court. 

“Matches in the last few tournaments have also boosted my confidence. It’s important to maintain this level of hard work and continue improving every day. 

“I want to return to the top, and although it won’t be easy, I will give it my all.”

AddThis Website Tools
GrandSlam Online

Recent Posts

Swiatek breaks the speed limit in rapid-fire winSwiatek breaks the speed limit in rapid-fire win

Swiatek breaks the speed limit in rapid-fire win

Iga Swiatek switched to warp speed after rain delayed her fourth-round match by an hour,…

3 days ago
Alcaraz hits 14 in a row at Indian WellsAlcaraz hits 14 in a row at Indian Wells

Alcaraz hits 14 in a row at Indian Wells

Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz ran his hot streak at the Indian Wells Masters to 14…

4 days ago
Sabalenka steamrolls modest Italian oppositionSabalenka steamrolls modest Italian opposition

Sabalenka steamrolls modest Italian opposition

Aryna Sabalenka spent just an hour and a quarter in dispatching Italian Lucia Bronzetti 6-1,…

4 days ago
Gauff scrapes through despite double-fault disasterGauff scrapes through despite double-fault disaster

Gauff scrapes through despite double-fault disaster

Coco Gauff wasted five match points while double-faulting four times in the final game but managed…

4 days ago
Draper increasing confidence with IW winDraper increasing confidence with IW win

Draper increasing confidence with IW win

Jack Draper used the confidence earned just weeks ago in Australia to power past Jensen Brooksby…

4 days ago
Tsitsipas turns up the heat with defeat of BerrettiniTsitsipas turns up the heat with defeat of Berrettini

Tsitsipas turns up the heat with defeat of Berrettini

Culinary enthusiast Stefanos Tsitsipas cooked up a 6-3, 6-3 win over Matteo Berrettini on Sunday,…

5 days ago