The return of Dominic Thiem to competitive tennis has been delayed once again after he pulled out of two Masters 1000 events in America this month.
The former US Open champion confirmed in a video uploaded on his social media accounts that he has decided against playing in both Indian Wells and Miami but insists that his decision isn’t related to an injury setback. Thiem hasn’t played on the Tour since June after injuring his right wrist at the Mallorca Open in Spain. A medical examination later revealed that he suffered a detachment of the posterior sheath of the ulnar side of the right wrist.
Outlining the reason for his latest decision, Thiem says he wants to return to action on the clay as it is the surface which he feels the most ‘comfortable’ playing on. He was set to play a series of clay court events in South America last month but suffered a minor finger injury which sidelined him for a couple of weeks.
“I had really good practice weeks. The wrist is perfectly fine, the hand is getting better and better but still I decided to pull out of Indian Wells and Miami to start on the clay courts,” said Thiem. “It is still a surface where I feel the most comfortable so I think it’s a perfect time to start there.”
It was Indian Wells where the 28-year-old won his first and so far only Masters title back in 2019 when he defeated Roger Federer in the final. He also reached the quarter-finals of the tournament in 2017. At the Miami Open his best result was reaching the quarter-finals in 2015.
“I would have loved to play in the states. I am really sorry to my fans. Obviously last time I played in Indian Wells I won the tournament. I can’t wait to be back soon.” He said.
Thiem is yet to confirm which tournament he will play first this season. The European clay swing begins on April 11th with the Monte Carlo Masters. There are also two clay tournaments taking place the week prior in America and Morocco.
The former world No.3 has won 17 Tour titles during his career, including the 2020 US Open. He has also won more than $28.8M in prize money.
