A downward slide is fun only when it comes to roller coaster rides. Dominic Thiem has been going through a similar slide in his tennis career since 2020, and it has broken more than just his form. The former World No. 3 defeated Luca Nardi in the Round of 32 in the European Open in Antwerp, Belgium. The 3 sets he played against Nardi reminded him of the struggles he had to go through over the past three years. Despite winning the match, Thiem’s face revealed a deeper story. To him, tennis now signifies a lot beyond mere victories and losses. In one candid moment, his words captured the emotions he had been carrying.

Dominic Thiem was a part of the top 10 for five years, from 2016 to 2020. Due to an undisclosed foot injury, Thiem’s performance took a hit in the first phase of 2021. But it was when Thiem attempted to improve that he encountered his most challenging nightmare. Suffering from a tear in his right wrist, the Austrian star was sidelined for nearly a year. Thiem has now returned with a recovered wrist and a rediscovered self.

Dominic Thiem opens up about his self confidence

Unfortunate circumstances can shatter one’s faith. Dominic Thiem had set his sights on steady improvement, only to be blindsided by an injury he hadn’t expected. Injuries, despite their unfairness, remain a recurring obstacle in the life of a professional player. As Thiem sat in his room unable to move his right wrist, his dreams were unable to move in the right direction.

The match against Luca Nardi made Dominic Thiem emotional about his situation. He said, “The last weeks weren’t so easy. I didn’t have great results. My self-confidence isn’t that high. That’s why it’s even more difficult against all those great players in those events.”

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Dominic Thiem may have lost some of his self-confidence, but he’s gained valuable insight into the demands of being at the top.

Thiem’s victory at Antwerp was more than just a match

Thiem’s match against Luca Nardi brought back all the memories of the struggle over the past few years. As the points table after the first set indicated a 6-3 loss, Thiem could feel that he was going down, similar to what he felt in 2021. Thiem said, “It wasn’t an easy 1st round, but I was fighting through. Trying to build on that for 2nd round.” 

‘Really Important for My Process’ – Dominic Thiem Provides Update on His Road to Recovery

Thiem went on to win the next two sets, reaffirming his potential for future success.

The past hasn’t been kind to Dominic Thiem, but he now knows how to rise up. Thiem isn’t alone in his pursuit of a strong comeback. Tennis icons like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have faced similar challenges in their careers, and there’s hope that Thiem will fly higher, finding inspiration to rebuild his self-confidence.

WATCH THE STORY:  Serena Williams pays tribute to Roger Federer.