Grand Slam winner, number 3 in the world, Dominic Thiem (29) has in the Tennis-Scene leave clear traces. But a serious wrist injury threw him back in 2021.
The Austrian is now only in 111th place.
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BILD: Before the tournament in Monte Carlo last week, you surprisingly parted ways with your coach Nicolás Massú. How come?
Thiem: “Ultimately, it came from both of them. It needs a change and a breath of fresh air, so I try something new. After four years, which were incredibly successful with my victory at the US Open 2020, it is also quite normal that you need new input.
Who are you working with in the future?
“I was in Monte Carlo with Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh and will also have him with me in Munich. He’s very experienced, has already trained Angelique Kerber for a short time and if the chemistry is right, we’ll continue together.”
You had a serious wrist injury that cost you months from your career. How are you currently?
“I’m fine, I’m fit and I’m looking forward to the clay court season. I can’t feel anything in my wrist anymore, it’s healed perfectly. I’m not scared anymore and I feel like I can pull it off. That’s the most important.”
They were thrown back again and again after their first comeback. Did you start again too soon?
“Yes, I think I started again too early. That was definitely a mistake. I would have needed a few more good weeks of training. But that’s in the past and I’m glad things are going better now. But if I regret a mistake, then by all means that.”
Dominic Thiem repeatedly suffered setbacks after his comeback. Now he’s slowly getting going
After your comeback was a long time coming and then there were repeated setbacks, did you think about quitting?
“I didn’t think about giving up everything. I felt deep down inside that I wanted to try again. Of course there were difficult moments, but they didn’t make me think about the end of my career.”
Her buddy Alexander Zverev was seriously injured at the French Open 2022 and tore several ligaments in his ankle. Could you use your experience of a long injury to help him?
“We already had contact, but the problem is that the injuries were completely different. My wrist, his foot. So the only tip I could give him was just don’t start too soon. But we athletes are all very impatient. And that, as I said, is the biggest mistake you can make. It’s better to wait a few weeks longer and nothing comes back.”
Alexander Zverev (left) lost 2: 3 to Dominic Thiem in the final of the US Open 2020 after a 2: 0 lead
How do you see Zverev’s comeback so far?
“His comeback is going really well. It was a bit difficult at first, but that’s clear. But since Dubai, where he was in the semi-finals, he’s been playing really good tennis again, even if there was an early end in Miami. But I’m sure he’ll get stronger every week.”
Your two performances in Munich were a long time ago. What memories do you have of 2015 and 2016?
“In 2016 I was in the final, which I bitterly lost against Philipp Kohlschreiber, who won the first and third sets in the tie break. But that year I also experienced something really crazy.”
Dominic Thiem changed coaches shortly before Monte Carlo and wants to take the next step with new input
Namely?
“First round against Santiago Giraldo. 2:4 in the first set and it started snowing. And properly. The pitches were unplayable. In April! That’s the funniest memory of Munich.”
Aside from the tournament, do you have any connection with Munich?
“I like the city very much. She has an incredible quality of life. I’ve also been there a couple of times for a weekend trip, I’ve often been to the Allianz Arena. The city is simply sensational.”
What are your ambitions when you start in Munich?
“Of course I want to play well because every win counts for me. I need points for the world rankings. Munich has a bit of altitude, which suits me and I think I can play well here.”
