SUMMARY
- Dominic Thiem, after a disappointing Australian Open, contemplates retirement but stays committed to strategic changes for a potential comeback.
- Despite uncertainties, Thiem gears up for the Davis Cup with an eye to secure a playing position at the Olympics.
In the wake of a disheartening first-round loss at the Australian Open 2024, Dominic Thiem finds himself standing at a pivotal crossroads in his illustrious tennis career. The defeat, coupled with a series of challenges, has prompted Thiem to reevaluate his commitment to the sport, with a hint at retirement.
However, the Australian Open post-phase unveils Thiem’s participation in the Davis Cup in Ireland, driven by ITF regulations and an eye on potential Olympic involvement. The commitment extends to a promised exhibition tournament (UTS) in Oslo, highlighting Thiem’s determination to stay engaged with the sport amidst his contemplation of retirement.
Super sad to leave Australia early, love being here – it’s always amazing 🇦🇺
Thanks for all the support! ❤️
📸: WILLIAM WEST / AFP pic.twitter.com/ThcOXyrNm4
— Dominic Thiem (@domithiem) January 16, 2024
Yet the former world No. 3, currently ranked 90th in the ATP rankings, remains circumspect about his future playing career. Reflecting on the past two years since his injury, Thiem acknowledges the challenging ranking positions, asserting, “For two years now, I’ve been in ranking spheres that I don’t want to be in.”
Thiem further highlights his pursuit of rediscovering the joy and satisfaction of playing tennis at his best level, emphasizing the personal standards he sets for his performance. He explains, “If I end this year at 100 again, you have to think about whether the whole thing is still worth it.”
As Dominic Thiem looks at his future in tennis, he has decided to make some changes and revamp his plans in his quest to move up the ranking ladder. Let’s find out what’s coming next for him. It’s a do-or-die situation for him!
Dominic Thiem’s revamped plans to secure a “last chance”
In a recent press conference in Schörfling am Attersee, Austria, Thiem revealed his decision to part ways with coach Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh, stating, “Yes, I separated from Benny after Australia.” Thiem is on the verge of finalizing a new touring coach. However, Thiem is keeping the new coach’s identity under wraps, only disclosing that the individual is not Austrian.
Dominic Thiem had some revised plans that include more training sessions at home in Traiskirchen and Oberpullendorf, with his father, coach Wolfgang Thiem, taking a more active role. Departing from the usual ATP schedule, he is set to participate in Challenger Tour tournaments to move up his rankings to the Top 60 in the world before embarking on the competitive ATP tour.
Skipping the American tour this year, Thiem plans to focus on training for an additional few weeks before diving into three Challenger tournaments on clay: Szekesfehervar, Zadar, and Napoli. These strategic choices aim to bolster his ranking and provide better planning opportunities for future competitions.
Dominic Thiem says 2024 will be his ‘last chance’:
“I see it as the last chance. If I can do it, it can be done quickly.”
“I’ve been back for two years since the injury, and I finished 100 or so in 2022 and 98 last year. If I finish the year at 100 again, you have to consider… pic.twitter.com/nKhxjhZf7T
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 30, 2024
Thiem acknowledges the challenges he has faced in recent years, emphasizing the importance of this period as his last chance. He says, “I see this as my last chance. If I can do it, it can happen quickly.” The decision to change coaches stems from the desire to break free from the undesirable ranking positions he has found himself in. He wishes to be in the Top 50 in the rankings at the earliest possible time to secure his future career.