Thiem ready to stomach Tsitsipas Vienna challenge

Dominic Thiem is steeling himself for an opening-round challenge against fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas as Austria’s former champion returns to his hometown ATP 500 event.

The 30-year-old who has been troubled by stomachs issues for a month or more, believes he is finally over the health jump and is keen to try and duplicate his 2019 title at the Stadehalle.

“After the US Open, I couldn’t do anything for two weeks before I could start training again – but now I’m fine again,” Thiem said of his mystery illness.

“All I know is that it wasn’t bacteria. Maybe I got bad water or food somewhere. I love spicy food, maybe I got too much of it.”

Wild card Thiem, the 2020 US Open winner whose career was dealt a setback last season with a wrist and other injuries, has no doubt as to the difficulty of making an impression on Tsitsipas in the first round.

The pair have played 10 times on the Tour, splitting the difference at five wins each; the Greek has won their last two, including last July’s Wimbledon first round encounter.

“He is certainly the favorite, but if I bring my performance to the court, I certainly have a chance,” the 86th-ranked Austrian said.

“The last matches were all very close and were only decided in the tiebreak of the last set by only a few points.

“The support of the home audience will be important. Since I won in 2019, I’m looking forward to the positive energy from the fans, which is incredibly helpful for me.”

After Vienna, Thiem will wrap up his ATP season at the Paris Bercy Masters followed by a 250 tournament in Metz.