Austrian Dominic Thiem issued a warning to his fellow tennis stars saying that he would be the best-prepared for the upcoming charity tournament in the Balkans. (Getty Images)
The former World No. 3 announced on social media that he has tested positive for Covid-19 which further delays his full-fledged comeback to the professional circuit
Dominic Thiem is going through a very rough patch. The Austrian returned to the professional circuit this week after a long break due to injuries since June last year. However, there is an immediate obstacle that he has to deal with – Thiem has tested positive for Covid-19 and will once again be briefly out of action. Earlier this week, he entered the Challenger Marbella tournament as the top seed but faced a shocking exit in the first round itself losing to World No. 228 Pedro Cachin 3-6, 4-6.
Before this match in the Challenger series, Thiem had not played on the ATP tour since June 2021. His last event was at Mallorca when he sustained a right wrist which put him out for the rest of the season. The Austrian attempted to begin his 2022 season afresh in Cordoba last month but suffered a separate right finger issue involving a strained ligament. Thiem then delayed his return further by withdrawing from the two ATP-1000 events – Indian Wells and Miami Open in favour of making a return on his preferred clay surface.
Dominic Thiem had earlier withdrawn from the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open to prepare for the all-important clay season ahead of him. Thiem had clearly set his eyes on the Roland Garros, the second grand slam of the year.
In his statement on social media, Thiem said, “I had really good practice weeks. The wrist is perfectly fine, the hand is getting better and better but still I’ve decided to pull out of Indian Wells and Miami to start the clay court season. It’s still the surface I feel most comfortable so it’s a perfect time to start there.”The 28-year old further added, “I really would have loved to play in the states. I’m really sorry for my fans. Last time I played here in Indian Wells, I won the tournament. I love to play in the states and I can’t wait to be back soon.”
However, a fresh Covid positive result definitely hampers the plans. Nevertheless, Thiem would look to have a good recovery and be fit in time for the French Open.
Thiem has played the final of the French Open twice before in 2018 and 2019 but lost on both occasions. His only Grand Slam win came in the 2020 US Open. The current World No. 50 was in hot form till he suffered the injury setback last year. Thiem would be looking to regain lost ground once he makes his return back to the court. Before the French Open, Thiem can get back in touch by playing the Monte Carlo Masters which will also be played on clay surface.
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