By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, August 28, 2023
Dominic Thiem remodeled his US Open first-round match into restoration day.
The 2020 US Open champion Thiem defeated Twenty fifth-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 for his first Flushing Meadows match win since he fought again from two-sets right down to defeat Alexander Zverev within the 2020 US Open remaining.
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That day, Thiem joined Pancho Gonzales as simply the second man in historical past to rally from two units down and win a US Open remaining.
Today, Thiem snapped a streak of six main opening-round exits scoring his first Grand Slam victory since he battled again from two units right down to defeat Nick Kyrgios on the 2021 Australian Open.
The former world No. 3 noticed his profession stalled by a power wrist harm that appeared to sap each his confidence and ferocious forehand.
Earlier this month, a defiant Thiem denied 5 match factors out-dueling Laslo Djere 6-7(3), 7-5, 7-6(8) to achieve his first remaining because the 2020 ATP Finals on the purple clay of his Kitzbuhel residence match. Thiem says that run to the finals—and the actual fact his wrist has withstood the pressure of match play and numerous apply classes—has infused him with confidence.
“The physical trust is there, you know. Since the injury I have played many tournaments,” Thiem mentioned. “I did many, many practice sessions. I really also gave a lot of load on the wrist again. So it’s completely fine. The mental side was not that easy as restore the arm was. Was not doing the same job I was used to before the injury, so that was not easy.
“Yeah, with each success, with each match, particularly with larger successes or higher weeks like I had in Austria once I performed my first finals or additionally right here, again on profitable methods in Grand Slams, it helps rather a lot on the psychological facet and to get the complete belief once more within the wrist. And, yeah, that it does 100% what I would like with the forehand.”
The forehand and return game will crucial components for Thiem in his second round clash vs. Australian Open quarterfinalist Ben Shelton.
“I performed him on clay, however this was simply, I assume, his first clay courtroom match ever or one thing,” Thiem said of Shelton. “On laborious, I assume it is a fully totally different sport. He performed quarters within the Australian Open. He had some nice outcomes on laborious courtroom.
“In general, I’m looking forward a lot to that match. He’s a great guy. He’s unbelievable athlete. I really love to watch him. Yeah, I guess that one big thing gonna be the return again. He’s serving incredible.
“Today I used to be returning effectively, so I attempt to try this within the second spherical as effectively.”
Photo credit score: Mike Lawrence/USTA/US Open
Source: www.tennisnow.com