Dominic Thiem is ‘feeling a lot better’ after being sidelined from the tour in recent weeks, according to his coach Gunther Bresnik.
Thiem has experienced a slow start to the season. After suffering a shock first round loss at the Qatar Open, he was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open. During his second round match against Alexei Popyrin, Thiem said his body was hurting all over and he felt weak throughout. He retired from the match whilst trailing 7-5 6-4 2-0 to his opponent.
Last week coach Bresnik told newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten blood tests has shown that Thiem’s blood count is normal. However, further examinations would be conducted, including a stress ECG. It is unclear if Thiem has undergone those tests since Brenik’s comments.
“There’s nothing wrong with Dominic’s heart or lungs, and his blood counts are okay, but we still have to figure out why he had a heavy cold three times in six weeks.” Said Bresnik.
On the eve of Austria’s Davis Cup tie against Chile, a further update was given about the 25-year-old. Thiem has withdrawn from the tie and next week’s Cordoba Open in Argentina to continue his recovery.
“Dominic completed a light training session for around an hour. He was looking very good and feels a lot better.” His coach told reporters on Thursday,
Jurgen Melzer, who has played in more Davis Cup ties than any other Austrian player, commented about Thiem’s absence from the tie. Saying that the world No.8 has already sent his team a message of support. Thiem will not be attending the clash in Salzburg.
“You know what you have to do as an athlete, and when you’re in a therapy phase, sometimes it may not fit in. He’s contacted us and wished us all the best, so that’s fine with us.” Said Melzer.
The next tournament Thiem is scheduled to play at is the Buenos Aires Open, which will get underway on February 11th. He is the reigning champion of the tournament and has won the title in two out of the past three years.
