“Can’t Expect Miracles”: Physio Skeptical of Dominic Thiem’s Return at US Open 2021

Dominic Thiem has started his recovery and will be back on court soon. The Austrian has started practicing with soft balls and is avoiding using his wrist. However, he will need to fasten the process in order to compete at the US Open and defend his title.

An injury at the Mallorca Open forced the World No.6 to withdraw from the Wimbledon Championships back in June. He has hinted at missing the US Open this year; however, there is still a chance of him returning to the hard court event, albeit bleak.

Dominic Thiem attempts a comeback with soft balls

According to Krone, Austria’s largest newspaper, Thiem has started his recovery process. The Austrian has begun with hitting soft balls with his right hand, although isn’t putting a lot of stress on his wrist. “He’s getting better every day but you can’t expect miracles so quickly,” said Alex Stober, Thiem’s physiotherapist. (Translated via Google Translate)

Thiem is speculating his return at the US Open later this month, as his wrist will take time to heal. He wanted to defend his title in New York this year, after defeating Alexander Zverev last year in the final.

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Thiem’s coach needs his wrist to be perfect

Thiem’s coach Nicolas Massu believes that the wrist needs to be 100% fit for a tennis player to be able to perform well. “Now it is time to go very calmly, respecting the deadlines, the wrist is an area that has to be perfect to return to competition, whenever it is, but do it 100% and without the risk of becoming chronic,” said Massu in an interview with Tennis Head last week.

The Austrian had expressed his eagerness to play at the US Open this year and defend his title. And even though was keen on returning as the defending champion and make an impact in New York, nature only moves at it own pace. So, Thiem might need to wait for some time more.

In order to avoid a larger injury, Thiem should listen to the professionals and doctors and not exert on his wrist. He can always make a comeback at some other tournament and defend his titles in the future.

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