Thiem: 'I Am Still Trying To Find My Form'

  • Posted: May 19, 2021

Dominic Thiem is still searching for his best tennis this clay-court season, and the Austrian hopes he can make a step in the right direction as the top seed at this week’s Open Parc Auvergne-Rhone Alpes Lyon.

“I am still trying to find my form. I’m not playing as well as I did in 2019 [at Roland Garros], when I played my best tennis, or as good as in 2018. But I am a better player now,” Thiem said. “I will try and practise well and work hard in Lyon, then work myself into the tournament. My preparation hasn’t been ideal this year, I won’t lie about that. But I am certain I will play well there.”

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The World No. 4 has played two events on clay, reaching the semi-finals in Madrid and the third round in Rome. The two-time Roland Garros finalist (2018 and 2019) had not played since March in Dubai before those two events.

“Madrid and Rome were good steps in the right directions, with the semi-finals [in Madrid] and a loss to Sonego [in Rome] in three hours and 20 minutes. I had match point [and lost] 7-6 in the third and after [that] he beat Rublev then played an amazing match against Novak,” Thiem said. “I liked the way I played there and I hope I can take this positive direction into Lyon and get some matches.”

The good news for Thiem despite those losses is that he feels there is plenty of room for improvement in his game.

“In Madrid and Rome there was some per cent missing in my shots. My first serve wasn’t doing enough damage and when I had an easy forehand, I wasn’t hitting in the right direction or placement,” Thiem admitted. “The transitions from offence to defence weren’t good. To go really deep in tournaments, I need to improve these areas of the game and I intend to do so in Lyon this week.”

Thiem has proven that he is a force on clay when on form, winning 10 of his 17 tour-level titles on the surface. After taking nearly two months off to reset following in Dubai, the 27-year-old is eager to continue ramping up his level.

“I was far away from tennis, but tried to get hungry again and get back on Tour,” Thiem said. “I needed to disconnect from the job and I am happy to be back on Tour.”

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