After winning two matches on the tour since the US Open, Dominic Thiem heads to the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals with a cloud of uncertainty over his head.
The Austrian seemed to be going in the right direction earlier in the year. In all four grand slams, he reached the fourth round or better for the first time in his career. World No.6 Thiem, who won the Rio Open this year, has also recorded wins over three of the ‘big four’ in 2017. Defeating Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
The lull started at the US Open. Facing an ill Juan Martin del Potro for a place in the quarterfinals, Thiem failed to capitalize on a two-set lead. Losing the match in five sets. The consequence was a hammering to the confidence of the 24-year-old, who continues to dwell on that match.
“The defeat to Del Potro didn’t help — I would have loved to have won that match,” he told ESPN.
“Afterwards I have always been struggling. They have been quicker surfaces, which are tougher conditions for me. I’ve been trying to get better there but it didn’t really work this year.
“There is another big tournament remaining and next year there is another chance, I guess. I have a new career high but if I would have started the year like it has ended, I would say it’s sh …”
Already qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals in London, Thiem has only managed to win two matches in five tournaments. Some of those losses occurred when he was in pole posistion. He was a set up against Steve Johnson in Tokyo and against Richard Gasquet in Vienna. His latest defeat was at the hands of Fernando Verdasco in Paris.
“I cannot really expect more than that at the moment,” said Thiem, who only managed to get 48% of his first serves in.
“I’m not playing well enough to win two matches in a row in a tournament like this.”
In recent weeks, Thiem hasn’t just been struggling mentally. His coach Gunther Bresnik recently revealed that he has been struggling with a toe problem. During an interview with ORF, Bresnik said the Austrian has been trying to treat the injury quietly.
“Dominic has open wounds between the fourth and fifth toe on both legs, which has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks.” Bresnik revelled.
“Dominic does not like to talk about such things, but tries to treat them in the quiet little room.”
Now preparing for his final event of the season at the O2 Arena, Thiem is already expressing his concerns. During an interview with Sky Sports, he admitted that the court speed could be a problem for him.
“Last year I was hoping for so many things to happen that I qualified for London. It’s just way better that I’m already in there, so I can play definitely more relaxed than last year,” he explained.
“It’s for sure not my strongest surface. I mean I’m struggling a little bit, but still, every new week is a new chance, so I will try to do my best.”
The ATP Finals will take place between November 12-19.
