By Nick Wright
Dominic Thiem has vowed to seize the opportunity ahead of him – a tantalising battle with the returning Rafael Nadal, in a bid to prove he still has the tools to be a grand slam force.
The former US Open winner, who in 2020 reached a career-high world No.3 ranking, has been on the comeback trail ever since a wrist injury the following year derailed his rise.
Thiem defeated Nadal in the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in 2020.Credit: Getty Images
Knee injuries and form slumps led to the Austrian taking several recovery breaks from the global circuit, which included missing the 2022 Australian Open and at one stage slipping outside the world’s top 300.
Speaking on the eve of his Brisbane International clash with Nadal on Tuesday, Thiem said his sights were set on proving he warranted a place at the Australian Open – with his current standing of 98 one short of automatic entry.
It ensures he will need to be either granted a wildcard or fight for his place through the qualifying tournament once again.
He said while his injury-ravaged period came with its challenges, he believed he had learned the harsh lessons needed to remain a threat in the latter stages of his career.
“Yes, of course, the time when I was injured was very tough for me, but still, it was a good lesson and an experience that every athlete must go through. There’s no injury-free career for an athlete, so it’s important to learn from it,” Thiem told this masthead.
“Now, I’m looking forward to the tournament in Brisbane and tomorrow’s match, but, of course, I’m already fully motivated for [the Open in] Melbourne.
“This tournament is always incredible.
“I can’t say for sure yet [if I can reach my same heights]. I can only give my best and fight. Then, I think I definitely have a chance, and you have to seize it.”
Thiem has been forced to earn his place in the Brisbane International – overcoming two tense three-set encounters in the qualifiers to reach the colossal battle with Nadal.
Dominic Thiem’s Brisbane International qualifying match on Saturday was interrupted by a deadly snake.Credit: Getty
In the first of those clashes – his triumph over Australian James McCabe, which featured a 40-minute delay to remove a brown snake – he saved three match points.
The Thiem and Nadal rivalry has featured a series of gripping contests, headlined by the former’s quarter-final triumph at the 2020 Australian Open.
He would go on to feature in the final, losing to Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller, before claiming his sole grand slam title later in the year.
“For me, tomorrow’s match is one I want to win, but of course, I’m glad that Rafa is back, and his injury is healed,” Thiem said.
“It’s been a long time since we last played against each other, so it will certainly be interesting.
“We’ve had many incredible matches; I couldn’t pick one because I think they were all special, especially for me.
“I always remember the match at the Australian Open 2020 fondly because I played incredibly well.
“But, as I said, a lot has changed since then – we both had injuries and couldn’t play for a while.
“Starting a tournament is never easy, especially at the beginning of the season, but I’m very happy that I fought through it.
“For tomorrow, I’m fully motivated, feeling fit, and looking forward to the match.”
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