Thansai Kokkinakis topples Sebastian Korda in Adelaide, but shoulder pain "puts a dampener on the win"

"Still it’s going to be really difficult since I’m not seeded and I can face anybody at the beginning of any tournament," said Thiem, who will get a wild card into the Australian Open.

ByKamakshi Tandon

Published Dec 23, 2022

Confessional Cart: Dominic Thiem

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Dominic Thiem's comeback from wrist surgery is gaining momentum heading into 2023.

The 29-year-old Austrian fell below the Top 300 this season but then turned around his play to return to the Top 100, reaching three ATP semifinals.

Now he's looking to get back to the top of the game again, speaking to the Abu Dhabi National while playing the World Tennis League in Dubai this week.

"The way is positive for me, the way I’m practicing," said Thiem. "I’m very happy about it."

"The direction was definitely right," said Thiem. "Still, I was not playing at my top level again and this I wanted to switch around in the offseason."

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Thiem, who won the 2020 US Open, went 0-7 as he returned to tour from his injury layoff this season, but then re-evaluated his training and motivation.

"I told myself I have to put a little bit of pressure on myself again, to start winning matches again," he said. "From 300 in the rankings to 100 in just three or four months, which was very good.

"The direction was definitely right. Still, I was not playing at my top level again and this I wanted to switch around in the offseason."

Yet the former No. 3 also knows the climb back will be tough. The Australian Open has given Thiem a wild card.

"Still it’s going to be really difficult since I’m not seeded and I can face anybody at the beginning of any tournament. But I’m fit, I’m happy to compete and I’m looking forward to starting," said Thiem.

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