At 5:57 p.m., Dominic Thiem crept visibly disappointed from the center court of the moderately frequented Estadio Manolo Santana. Knowing full well that the way back to the top of tennis will be very rocky. 280 days after suffering a severe wrist injury on Mallorca on June 22, 2021, the 28-year-old from Lichtenwörther clearly lost in his comeback match at the clay court challenger in Marbella.
Thiem lost to the world number 228. Argentina’s Pedro Cachin 3-6, 4-6 after just 82 minutes. This is not a broken leg for the 2020 US Open champion, who at least occasionally flashed his class. For example towards the end of the first set when he fought back from a 5-0 deficit.
Thiem, who competed without the Bank Austria logo on his shirt, had the tension written all over his face. The game of the 17-time ATP tournament winner was marked by many unforced errors. Above all, there was a lack of precision and efficiency, Thiem only fended off one of four breakballs, with Cachin it was six out of seven. So the match could have gone very differently.
“The fitness is great”
In the ORF interview, the realistic view of the current situation overshadowed the frustration. “I’m happy to be back on the pitch – in front of spectators at that,” emphasized Thiem, for whom Mama Karin had her fingers crossed in the stands.
“I took the first step, it was 1-1, as I had expected. It was great that I came back,” explained the Lower Austrian, before substantiating the weaknesses. “There is no flow in my game, there are no automatisms. The last percent only come in the match, that’s not possible in training. Now it’s time to keep working. The fitness is great.” The wrist holds. Progress can perhaps be expected in Marrakech next week.
Wawrinka also lost
All beginnings are difficult. The three-time Grand Slam triumphant Stan Wawrinka, who returned to Marbella after a year-long injury break (foot surgery), felt the effects. The Swiss, who has been 37 since Monday – Thiem’s sparring partner on Court 2 on Sunday – had to admit defeat to Elias Ymer (Swe) 2: 6 and 4: 6.
“It wasn’t expected that I’d win. A month ago I couldn’t jump. It will definitely take time to get the machine to the maximum,” said Wawrinka, who has slipped to 232nd place in the ATP ranking. Thiem – the former number 3 – is currently in comparatively good shape as the 50th.
Source: Nachrichten
