After a prolonged absence from the ATP Tour due to injury, Dominic Thiem is slowly finding his footing again.
Although the road has been rocky, with the Austrian struggling to find consistency, his recent doubles victory at the 2023 Estoril Open alongside partner Joao Sousa has provided a ray of hope ahead of the singles event.
Thiem's journey back to peak performance has been challenging, as evidenced by his disappointing record of 9 losses in 10 singles matches this season. Despite the setback, Thiem remains determined to regain his form and confidence.
The 2023 Estoril Open has offered Thiem a fresh opportunity to prove himself. Receiving a wild card for the doubles event with Joao Sousa, the duo managed to secure a convincing 6-4, 6-2 victory against Duarte Vale and Ben Shelton. The win has rekindled Thiem's fighting spirit, as he shared his excitement and gratitude for the wild card after the match.
"It went well. It was the first victory in some time. My first victory in doubles in a long time. I was happy when João invited me and it was good to receive the wild card."
Recognizing the importance of self-confidence, Thiem is eager to build on his doubles success and translate it into improved singles performance.
"I'm playing much better now than last year. Last year it was the third tournament after the injury and I almost couldn't hit. Now it's different. I just need more victories, self-confidence. I’m not winning and lacking confidence but I really hope this doubles win is the start of something."
With a challenging first-round singles match against fellow Austrian and qualifier Sebastian Ofner, Thiem is aware that he faces a difficult opponent. The two players have trained together and share a mutual respect for each other's abilities and Thiem won in two of their meetings in Kitzbuhel.
"I feel good, I like to play here and tomorrow will be a good meeting against an Austrian. He has the same advantage! We train together, in the same gym and it will be the third meeting with him on the circuit. He is in a great form, playing very well in recent weeks, unlike me."
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