“Still Have a Splint”: Dominic Thiem Provides Encouraging Update on His Return Date

The 2021 US Open will take place without its men’s defending champion this year. As the tournament takes center stage, 2020 winner Dominic Thiem is missing from action. Having suffered an injury setback around Wimbledon, Thiem withdrew from the rest of the season. It was a disappointing, yet important decision for him. However, the Austrian has provided a positive update for the upcoming year.

Dominic Thiem suffers wrist injury before Wimbledon

After a string of strong outings, 2021 proved to be the downfall for Thiem. He had a timid year, losing in the first round at Roland Garros. Following this, the former World No.3 was focused on a good grass court campaign. In the buildup to Wimbledon 2021, Thiem decided to take part in the Mallorca Open tournament. In a horrific incident, he suffered a painful wrist injury that put his season in jeopardy.

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The player who had previously made multiple Grand Slam finals had a detached posterior sheath in the ulnar side of his right wrist. This forced him to make the tough decision of skipping the grass-court season as well as the Olympic Games. Looking to make a recovery at the US Open, Thiem got back to recouping immediately. Sadly, it was too soon for him to make a comeback, and he decided to rest for the entire season.

Thiem provides encouraging 2022 return update

The 2-time Nitto ATP Finals runner-up recently spoke about his recovery and treatment. Ahead of the US Open, he detailed to Tennis Channel about the favorites, his injury, and other topics. When he was asked about his return date, the Austrian gave his fans a glimmer of hope. He made it clear that he is looking to return early on in 2022.

“I hope it’s the start of next season. That’s my goal, to be back as soon as 2022 starts,” quoted the former Roland Garros finalist. “But I still have a splint on my wrist for 4 more weeks and after those 4 weeks, I will get an update and know more. But the goal is to be back hopefully Australia ’22.”

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With the 2022 season approaching sooner than ever, the return of the powerful Austrian is imminent. Fans cannot wait to see him back on the court, and hopefully winning Slams again. Do you think Dominic Thiem can get back to winning ways next year?