The two-time finalist could have been given a deserved, honorable farewell in Paris. How does the machinery work with the wild cards?
Even before the first serve of the 123rd edition of the French Open, there was strong criticism of the organizer. The reason is the awarding of the Wild cards for the main competition: The organizer ITF (International Tennis Federation) removed many well-known names from the list and instead gave preference to French players. This approach is the same for all four majors and has proven to be successful. Only: Not only Dominic Thiemwho is not guaranteed to be in the main competition due to the ranking, looks through his fingers and has to go through the qualification, which starts on Monday.
But how does the machinery work? As in previous years, 2024 will also mainly benefit French professionals from the tickets for the main field (and also for the qualification). In addition, there are always agreements between the French Federation (FFT) as well as Tennis Australia and the USTA (Tennis Association in the USA). This means that one Australian and one American professional will receive a wildcard in both the women’s and men’s main draws. Next to Thiem also went Simona Halepafter all a French Open winner (2018), Caroline Wozniacki and Emma Raducanu empty.
While stars like Rafael Nadal are on pause due to injury Protected Ranking To be able to play in the main competition, Thiem also has to qualify.
What causes a lack of understanding for many: Thiem stood between them Four times in the semi-finals in 2016 and 2019became In 2018 and 2019 only in the final defeated by Nadal. And the 30-year-old had announced that it would be his last French Open. This could have been a nice farewell present for him. French talent or perspective player: Thiem would have filled the stadiums again (or perhaps several times) because he is also extremely popular in France.
A little bit Fingertip feeling would have been appropriate, even if Thiem was thrown out in round one in his most recent two appearances. It would have been a fine opportunity to say “Au revoir.” But maybe the man from Lichtenwörth will play his way through the tough quality grind.
2024-05-18 09:27:00
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