Three-time grand slam finalist Dominic Thiem has said that all tennis players must do their bit in light of the ‘drastic and dramatic’ measures currently implemented on the tennis tour.
All three tennis tours (ATP, WTA and ITF) have been suspended until at least June due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. Resulting in this year’s European clay-court swing being removed from the calendar and the French Open controversially moving the date of their event until the last week of September. Seven days after the US Open.
In light of the growing uncertainty, world No.3 Thiem shared his views on the ongoing crises in a statement published to Austrian media on Thursday. Saying that there are more important things to take into consideration rather than the suspension of the tour. This week Italy overtook China with the most deaths caused by Covid-19. The country’s death rate currently stands at 3045.
“There are much more important things in our lives now and we all have to do our bit. Nevertheless, these are very drastic and dramatic measures for all players, but we must learn to deal with them. It is no fun for anyone not knowing what to do next.” Said Thiem.
For the moment, the 26-year-old is continuing his preparation for the grass-court swing. At present the men’s tour is scheduled to resume on June 8th. During that week there are set to be events in Stuttgart, Germany and ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. Although there is yet to be a full guarantee that both of those events will go ahead as planned.
So far in his career, Thiem has played in the final of an ATP grass-court tournament only once. That was back in 2016 when he won the Stuttgart Open. Furthermore, Wimbledon is his worst performing grand slam tournament. He has won only five out of 11 matches, which is a 45% win rate.
“We now have a target date, and I will start preparing for grass soon.” Thiem outlined.
“Like everyone else in our country, I am at home and try to keep myself a bit fit there. When and how it resumes is still written in the stars. But the most important thing is: Stay healthy, everybody!”
At present, The All England Tennis Club (AELTC) has said that they intend to continue as normal with the hosting of Wimbledon. However, that could change in the coming weeks. It has been reported that the training of the ball boys and ball girls have been halted. Furthermore, their museum, shop, and Community Sports Ground have all been shut based on government advice.
According to The Guardian, a final decision on Wimbledon is set to be made in April. The only times the major has been cancelled was during the first and second world wars.
