“Feel It’s Every Match”: Dominic Thiem Opens Up on Foot Issues at Doha Open 2021

Austrian ace Dominic Thiem started off on the wrong foot in the opening match at Qatar Open 2021. However, he surged back to defeat Australian Open wonder-boy Aslan Karatsev from one set down.

But despite winning, many areas of improvement and struggle also came to the surface for the Austrian. Most importantly, his discomfort with his feet was evident throughout the match.

This issue dates back to his hometown campaign in Vienna last year, where he got caught up with blisters on his foot. According to him, the struggle is never not there.

Read More: Dominic Thiem Battles Past Reigning Australian Open Semifinalist Aslan Karatsev at Qatar Open 2021

Dominic Thiem says his foot issues are nothing to worry about

Dominic Thiem, 27, has been a valued candidate in tennis for the past few years. He even picked up his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open last year.

But as a professional tennis player, living with pain is part-and-parcel of the sport. “It’s nothing too bad. I feel it’s almost in every match,” Thiem told Essentially Sports. But pain can sometimes take over the mind and can consequently affect the outcome of that particular match.

However, the 2019 and 2020 year-end finalist mentioned that he has been dealing with this since his childhood. Thus, it is the kind of pain his body has adapted to over the years.

“There is a little damage on both foot since a very young age on, and of course, it’s sometimes a little bit painful but nothing to worry about it. I feel it’s almost in every match, and I will be able to deal with it,” Thiem concluded.

Since playing without any kind of pain is often not possible, physiotherapists and other members of the medical team often play a vital role in athletes’ professional careers.

Read More: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Posts Inspiring Message After His First ATP Win in 476 Days at ATP Marseille 2021

What are the odds of Thiem winning the Qatar Open 2021?

After his well-earned 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-2 win against the Russian, Thiem will meet fifth seed Roberto Bautista Agut in the quarterfinals.

As the top-seed, Thiem is naturally the favorite for the title; however, he is still second-favorite for the crowd. All tennis fans are hoping that the second-seed, Roger Federer, will lift the Qatar Open 2021.

Hopefully, they will both keep crossing the hurdles on the way to meet in a blockbuster final. If this matchup happens, it will be one of the biggest matches of the year so far.

Do you want Thiem and Federer to meet in the Doha final?

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