Dominic Thiem has stated that he is fully fit once again after being unable to train for two weeks following his US Open run.
The former world No.3 began his campaign in New York by knocking out 25th seed Alexander Bublik in straight sets. However, two days later he was forced to retire from his second round clash against Ben Shelton due to stomach issues. It was the first time he had failed to complete a tour-level match since June 2021.
As to what the issue Thiem was struggling with in New York, the tennis star said it wasn’t bacteria-related but the exact cause of the problem remains a mystery.
“It was a long story with my stomach. After the US Open, I couldn’t do anything for two weeks before I could start training again. But now I’m fine again.” Thiem told reporters during his pre-tournament press conference at the Vienna Open.
“All I know is that it wasn’t bacteria. Maybe I got some bad water or food somewhere. I love spicy food, maybe I had too much of it.”
Since overcoming his stomach problem, Thiem has won four out of seven matches contested across two ATP Tour events and one Challenger Tournament. At the European Open in Antwerp, he reached the second round before falling to fifth seed Yannick Hanfmann in three sets.
The next test for Thiem will be on home territory at the Vienna Open which is an event he won in 2019. He has been given a brutal first round draw against Stefanos Tsitsipas who is currently ranked 79 places higher than him at seventh in the world. It will be their third meeting this season and 11th overall. Their head-to-head is currently tied at 5-5.
“He’s the favorite for sure, but if I bring my performance to the court, I’m sure I’ll have chances. The last duels were all very close and were only decided in the tiebreak of the last set. Especially indoors, often only a few points decide.” He said.
Herwig Straka weighs in
This year’s Vienna Open is taking place under the close eye of tournament director Herwig Straka whom Thiem is very familiar with. He is one of four tournament representatives currently serving on the ATP’s Board of Directors and was Thiem’s manager between 2019-2021.
Speaking about the Austrian’s current form on the tour, Straka believes he would benefit from hiring a supercoach for his team. Using Holger Rune’s recent appointment of Boris Becker to his team as an example.
“In general. I believe that a super coach is good for every player and certainly for him too. Especially in a situation like this,” Straka told the APA.
“Rune is the best example, he hasn’t won much for six months. These are exactly the situations where you need a super coach and in this respect, I think a super coach would be good for Dominic too.”
Thiem has in the past previously worked with former world No.1 Thomas Muster but their collaboration didn’t last very long. The majority of his success was achieved alongside former Olympic champion Nicolas Massu who coached him for more than four years (2019-2023).
“The pattern didn’t work, but you have to accept that,” admits Straka, who helped form the collaboration with Muster. “I spoke to Boris (Becker) on the phone. I said I wish you good luck, but I hope that Rune also accepts you, because I saw that with Dominic. If you don’t accept it, then it will bring nothing.”
Thiem is currently being guided on the Tour by Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh who has previously worked with the likes of Victoria Azarenka and Angelique Kerber.
