VIDEO: ‘I’m Gonna Struggle Bud’- John Millman’s Heartfelt Gesture Towards Dominic Thiem Following His Comeback Match

Dominic Thiem played his first ATP tour match in 10 months at the 2022 Serbia Open. Playing against Australia’s John Millman in the opening round, the Austrian gave a tough fight to Millman before being beaten in three sets. Even though people were all praise for Dominic’s performance in the match, it was Millman’s post-match gesture that stole the spotlight.

Millman’s heartfelt gesture towards Thiem

Prior to this match, Dominic Thiem last played at the 2021 Mallorca Open, injuring his right wrist. The injury forced him to stay out of the tour for the remaining year. Being out of the tour, Theim was scheduled to make a comeback at the 2022 Cordoba Open. However, facing another injury during the practice session, he was again forced to withdraw from the tournament.

Finally, making a comeback at the Serbia Open, Thiem suffered a loss to John Millman. However, instead of celebrating the win, Millman showed the warmest gesture towards Thiem. During the next handshake, Millman told Thiem, “When you get 100% fit, I’m gonna struggle bud.”

The on-court interview of Dominic Thiem

The Australian wasn’t done yet. During the post-match on-court interview, the 32-year-old asserted that he cannot call it one of his biggest wins. He said, “All credit to Dominic. Probably can’t claim it as one of my biggest wins just because he is coming back from injury.” 

Turning pro in 2006, Millman has had multiple injuries in his 1.5 decade-long career. Recalling his injury-riddled career, the Australian further asserted that he knows how difficult it is for a player to make a comeback after injury. Recalling his surgeries, he said, “I know how hard it is. I have come back from three surgeries. I know it’s been a really tough twelve months for Dominic.”

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Dominic has had an impressive record on court. In his total of 17 career titles, the 28-year-old has won 10 on the red surface. Apart from that, he has also been a 7-time runner-up in clay events. Addressing Thiem on the surface, John admitted that the clay court is better with Thiem. He also confessed that it was going to be tough once Thiem gets back to his prime.

“I think the game’s better for it having him back, especially on this surface. I got to just take this win because when he gets fitter and fitter and he gets better and better on clay, it is going to be tough.”

Dominic Thiem’s comeback match against John Millman

Thiem’s comeback match against Millman was nothing short of an emotion-filled rollercoaster ride. The match started with Millman taking an early lead and winning the first set with ease. However, not willing to give up, Thiem made a strong comeback in the second round. Taking an early break in the set, Thiem went on to win the set 6-3.

One set all, both players went neck to neck in the third. Not leaving room for error, both players held their serves, going 4-4 in the final set. Holding his serve, Millman took 5-4. Going further, he went on to break Thiem in his final service game, winning the set 6-4.

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