It was a shockwave for the tennis world when the Austrian star Dominic Thiem announced that this season could be his last one if his performances didn’t improve. The former US Open champion has been struggling with injuries and loss of form for quite a few years now. Amid his shock decision, American tennis legend, Jimmy Connors, has given a ray of hope to him.
Thiem is languishing at the 90th spot on the ATP rankings chart. In the past couple of years, he hasn’t made it beyond the second round at Grand Slams. Despite this, Connors believes that Thiem can come back stronger.
“give yourself a chance to stay out there” – Jimmy Connors’ advice to Dominic Thiem
The 71-year-old tennis legend used the example of the Big 3 in tennis, namely Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic to motivate Thiem amid poor form. Like the Big 3 played well in their thirties, Connors believes that Thiem too has the potential to prolong his tennis career.
He said, “I’m just saying if that was me, I would say 30 years old, in comparison, look at Nadal, look at Djokovic, look at Federer, you know, look at some of these guys who are playing well into their 30s into their mid to late 30s. And what they’ve been able to accomplish, why wouldn’t you give yourself a chance to stay out there?”
Further, he went on to add, “But leaving at number 100? is, you know, and he and he said is it worth it? I wouldn’t want to leave it number 100. I think you know that that’s why I say go and do what it takes to give yourself an opportunity to work your way up the ladder because you’ve got room now.”
While Thiem has felt dejected with the downfall in his tennis career, the tennis world feels optimistic about him if he continues. Not just Connors but also Thiem’s fitness trainer was confident of the Austrian star’s performances in the upcoming tournaments.
Thiem’s fitness trainer wants him to “start winning against the best players”
Further, he went on to add, “My goal is to continue supporting his career and, together with the team, achieve the dream of any player and coach, for Dominic to reach his full potential and start winning against the best players as well as tournaments.”
Thiem is currently playing at the UTS event in Oslo. However, he lost his two group-stage matches at the tournament. The Austrian star will hope for a serious turnaround if he has to prolong his career.
