Dominic Thiem has become after the bitter Lost in the first round of qualifying for Monte Carlo about his remaining motivation and his future. The 30-year-old from Lower Austria confirmed that this season may be his last if form and ranking do not change significantly for the better.
The fact that his wrist is currently having problems again does not make tennis fans optimistic about the future. “It wasn’t a good performance, not a good match. It didn’t really matter who was on the other side,” said Thiem after the 1:6, 2:6 against Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.
“It’s a bit up and down at the moment, both playfully and physically. It’s sometimes better, sometimes a bit worse. I look from week to week. Estoril was really okay: two matches that were okay were, today was a poor performance.”
Hope for Munich appearance
The 2020 US Open winner spoke of a “rollercoaster ride”. “That’s how it is at the moment, I have to accept that. I have to make the best of the situation.” He now wants to prepare well for his next tournament in Munich and hopes that he will play better there again. The ATP 250 event starts on April 15th, Thiem has a wildcard.
When asked, Thiem revealed how difficult it is to stand on the pitch after so many defeats and setbacks this year. “You have to have a great passion. I’ve had that throughout my entire career, it’s been many years. But yes, now we’re probably slowly heading towards the home stretch and that’s why I’m trying to keep my courage and passion as high as possible.”
Thiem confirms ultimatum to end career
He leaves no doubt that it will be over after this year if he doesn’t reach the top 50. “I’ve talked about it enough. If I don’t achieve the goals, then this will probably be my last year. I’m not changing my mind, let’s see what it will be like at the end of the year.”
He won’t change anything about his current support team. “The team is good the way it is now. I’ve also tried out a lot. The team is good for me now and will stay that way.”
Of course, Thiem doesn’t need the ongoing problems with his right wrist. “There’s an inflammation inside, it’s probably still from the injury back then. It tore twice back then. Unfortunately, that caused a lot of damage in the wrist. Unfortunately, it’s just not the way it used to be. That’s bitter , but I have to accept it.”
Even if Thiem only wants to look from week to week, he assured that he wants to compete in Roland Garros, where he reached the semifinals four times and the final twice. “Of course I hope to play Roland Garros.” If necessary, also in qualifying, he assured. And this could definitely work out for him, the former world number three will soon fall out of the top 100 again.