Following his groundbreaking performance at the ATP Finals 2020 in London, Dominic Thiem was expected to create wonders on the ATP Tour in the 2021 season.

However, his season began with some unanticipated defeats. Adding to his series of upsets, recently top-seed Thiem lost in the opening round of Dubai Tennis Championships 2021 to South Africa’s Lloyd Harris 6-3, 6-3. By doing so, Harris has claimed the biggest win of his career.

After his loss in Doha to the Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, the Austrian ace mentioned having issues with his foot and said, “It’s sometimes a little bit painful but nothing to worry about it.”

Read More – “Feel It’s Every Match”: Dominic Thiem Opens Up on Foot Issues at Doha Open 2021 

Dominic Thiem on his early exit from Dubai Tennis Championships 2021

Fortunately, at present, the foot issues are not pestering him anymore; however, he revealed he wasn’t in the best shape.

Thiem has also decided to withdraw from the Miami Open 2021 and will be present fresh for the clay season, which will start in the month of April.

“There was no pain at all in the foot. I just need to reset myself a bit to really go fresh into the clay. Obviously right now I’m in a tough period & just it wouldn’t be the right thing to go to Miami. Right now I’m not in the greatest shape in any way,” Thiem stated, post his defeat in the UAE.

This year, Dominic came into the Australian Open as one of the favorites to clinch the trophy.

However, following his thrilling five-set match against Nick Kyrgios, he lost in straight sets to Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round.

Then, in the subsequent tournament in Doha, Qatar he knocked out the reigning Aussie Open semifinalist Aslan Karatsev, but unfortunately, he was halted by Roberto Bautista Agut in the very next round.

With Tuesday’s loss, Thiem is now 5-4 in 2021.