World No.4 Dominic Thiem has been experiencing issues with his foot for a lengthy period of time but it is not something to be worried about, according to his father.
Wolfgang Thiem has assured that the US Open champion isn’t experiencing any significant injury problems heading into the clay court season during an interview with Kleine Zeitung. Earlier this month Thiem admitted that he has been experiencing intermittent pain in his foot since the Vienna Open last year. Although he said he experienced no such problems in his latest match at the Dubai Tennis Championships where he lost in the first round to Lloyd Harris.
The 27-year-old isn’t playing in Miami this week because he wants to ‘reset’ ahead of the clay season where he will be hoping to triumph at the French Open later this year. A decision that is said to have no relation to the foot problem.
“Basically he’s doing well, we only had to and still have to check a few things. But these are small things that just happen again and again when Dominic plays on hardcourt,” Wolfgang explained.
So what is the cause of the pain? According to Thiem’s father it is linked to wear and tear of sliding on hardcourts. It is unclear as to if the Austrian has undergone any specific treatment. Instead, he is resting for a couple days before returning to the practice courts.
“Everyone has their weak point. But it’s nothing serious, otherwise it would also hurt if he didn’t put any weight on the foot,” Wolfgang assured. “Dominic always has problems sliding on hard courts. A callus develops over the years – and if this area is heavily stressed, irritation can arise.”
It is understood that there is not much that can be done about the issue at present because the problem is triggered by ‘the position of his feet.’ Wolfgang adds that possible experiments with the use of trainer insoles could lead to problems occurring in other areas of the body.
Thiem has a win-loss record of 4-4 so far this season with his best result being a run to the fourth round of the Australian Open.
