​Dominic Thiem was heralded as a formidable opponent for Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, but has suffered major injuries and struggled over the past two years to return to the elite of men’s tennis. The 2020 US Open champion said the 2024 season is his “last chance” to get back to the level he wants.

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Dominic Thiem: “If I finish 2024 close to ATP 100, I have to think if it’s worth it”

After the US Open 2020 triumph, the future looked bright for the Austrian, but the trophy won in New York caused a mental block, and a wrist injury later caused him many problems.

The Austrian returned to the circuit in March 2022, but the results turned out to be disappointing for someone who also reached two Roland Garros finals (2018 and 2019).

In order to move up in the ATP rankings, Thiem announced that he would not go to Indian Wells and Miami, but would instead participate in lower-ranked Challenger tournaments (Szekesfehervar, Zadar and Naples).

“I want to play three Challenger tournaments in March. That way I can get into the Top 70 or 60 soon and plan my next tournaments better. It’s difficult with my current ranking position. Every match at the ATP 250 tournament is difficult.

I consider this the last chance. If I do well, things can change quickly. It’s been two years since I came back from injury and 2022 finished close to the top 100 and last year I finished 98th. If I’m going to finish close to those positions again this year, I need to think if it’s still worth it.

For two years I was in positions I didn’t want to be in. Of course it weighs on me… I’ve never played tennis for money. I’m not one of those people who cares that much about money.

To be honest, it doesn’t matter to me, I’m looking forward to playing tennis again in a match the way I can and the way I expect myself to be” – Dominic Timquoted by PuntoDeBreak.

In addition, Tim stopped working with coach Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh: “I broke up with him after the Australian Open. My new coach won’t be a big star. I need someone who knows what my journey has been like. It won’t be Gunther Bresnik either, it will be someone who has known me since childhood. I consider this the last chance to make the leap I need.”

Dominic Thiem says 2024 will be his “last chance”:

“I see this as a last chance. If I can do it, it can be done quickly.”

“I’ve been back for two years since the injury and I finished 100 or so in 2022 and 98 last year. If I finish the year at 100 again, you have to consider… pic.twitter.com/nKhxjhZf7T

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 30, 2024

What you need to know about Dominic Thiem

• Tim is currently ranked 90th in the ATP Rankings, and in 2020 he rose to the 3rd position in the world rankings.

• This season, Dominic played four matches and won only one (against Francisco Cerundolo). He was defeated by Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

• Tim has the most wins in the 2016 season (58 successes), and the most won tournaments in 2019 (Vienna, Beijing, Kitzbühel, Barcelona, ​​Indian Wells).

• During his career, Dominic Thiem won 17 ATP titles with 346 wins and 208 losses. He collected $30,144,482 from tennis prizes alone.

Dominic Thiem’s ​​results in recent seasons

2018: 54 wins and 20 losses / $4,624,646 in prize money

2019: 49-19 / $8,000,223

2020: 22-7 / $5,169,756

2021: 9-9 / $698,641

2022: 18-16 / $421,122

2023: 19-24 / $753,726.