Last year, Dominic Thiem won the US Open and finished runner-up in the Australian Open and ATP Finals. Indeed, it was one of the most successful years of his career. But as fate may have it, the Austrian’s 2021 season completely spiraled down. Currently, he is recovering from a severe wrist injury and hoping for a stronger comeback in 2022.

From the start of this year, Thiem had inconsistency and motivation issues. However, after taking a break to recollect himself, he made a notable return on the Tour. Unfortunately, he then injured his right wrist in Mallorca, preparing for Wimbledon.

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Since the injury, the 28-year-old Austrian has not played any competitive match on the men’s circuit. Thiem later announced that he would spend the remaining 2021 season in remission.

Now, he is looking forward to a stress test, which would determine his comeback date. If he passes the test, Thiem will resume practice in November. If he fails, he will need surgery and cannot play until February-March next year, meaning he may miss the Australian Open 2022.

Despite all of this, Thiem is optimistic about his future on the Tour. He also shared how grateful he is for the success he has had so far in tennis.

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Dominic Thiem on his ATP Tour return

Firstly, Thiem addressed how he made the most of his body before the injury. Hence, he called his first severe injury “unlucky.”

“I have demanded everything from my body in recent years anyway, and it has never really let me down. I trained fully and never had anything. Now I’m just unlucky for the first time with an injury,” he said. (Translated via Google Translate)

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Furthermore, Thiem classified his current situation as the “halftime” of his career. Besides, he is looking forward to making the most of the coming years.

“The last six years have been unbelievable, better than I ever dreamed of,” he added. “Now, I’m having a lousy year, but I hope that six, seven good years will follow.”

Thiem will not play Indian Wells Masters 2021

As part of his withdrawal from the 2021 season, Thiem will miss the upcoming Indian Wells Masters 2021. However, the tournament will return in March next year, where the Austrian ace might want to play.

Do you think Thiem will return to his best next year?

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