Dominic Thiem has been working with a sports psychologist in order to regain his confidence after struggles in the past year.
Since Thiem injured his wrist in Mallorca, the Austrian hasn't been himself. Poor play, poor confidence, poor results, and very little to be happy about. He's had some moments where you think that he's getting back to where he was but for the most part, Thiem has been struggling.
Speaking to Tennis Majors in Monte-Carlo, Thiem revealed that he has been working with a sports psychologist and he found the experience very helpful in getting back to where he needs to be. It looks a lot better in the past two weeks on the court as well as he recorded some well-needed wins.
I’m working with somebody (a sports psychologist), which is helping me a lot. Because you’re by yourself on court, but you practice everything, you practice your tennis, you practice your fitness, you have a physio that takes care of your body, so it’s not really understandable why it’s still tough to talk about. I would say it’s very normal to work with a mental coach or a sports psychologist.
Considered taboo for a long time, using a psychologist has become somewhat more acceptable nowadays. It's thanks to many prominent figures not only admitting to using one but also advising others to do so as well. Mental health has truly become something that everybody needs to take care of, especially with events like the pandemic highlighting the need for many to deal with it.
Thiem agrees and he finished off his interview by explaining that it's something everybody needs. It's beneficial to both athletes and people in general and there should be no stigma around it.
That’s the way it should be, and not only in sports, but in life in general.
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