ATP Masters Monte-Carlo: Dominic Thiem at a crossroads looking for change
With the separation from successful coach Nicolas Massu,Dominic Thiem set something of an ultima ratio after the messed up start to the season. The coming weeks could have a decisive character for the Lower Austrian.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Apr 10, 2023, 12:36 pm
Professional sport is a tough place. Little room for emotions, continuity as otherwise a desirable state has no place in this business. The last 72 hours in Dominic Thiem's life are the best example of this: the Lower Austrian announced the separation from friend, companion and successful trainer Nicolas Massu on Saturday evening, on Monday the Austrian will be in Monte Carlo. And under pressure.
Under the wing of Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh, who will sit in the Austrian's box in the Principality, the Austrian is thinking about change. Maybe even after a fresh start. The wrist injury has not been an issue for a long time, rather it is currently a veritable form crisis that the 29-year-old is dragging along. The two victories at Estoril's ATP 250 event are said to have initiated the trend reversal.
Thiem is looking for change
The Austrian only thinks positively about the time with Massu, at whose side Thiem was not only able to celebrate the greatest successes of his career, but also to make the decisive step from clay court specialist to world-class player on hard court. But now change is unavoidable - also because the framework conditions had changed by 360 compared to spring 2019.
"It was exactly the right thing to do back then. When I started with him I was 25, now I'll be 30 soon. I definitely want to change my game again, start another attack on higher ranking positions. That's the goal", Thiem is quoted by the ORF: "I also think that in sport it is generally completely normal to make a change every now and then, that I can steer things in the right, good direction again. I hope so now.”
Thiem warned about Gasquet
In Monte-Carlo, Thiem now has the chance to collect valuable points in the race for a place in the main draw of the French Open 2023 with a wildcard. Thiem is immediately challenged against old master Richard Gasquet ( from around 3:00 p.m. in the ticker ), progression is immensely important for the rest of the season. But the Frenchman is anything but an easy task, as Thiem himself emphasizes: "He's in really good shape again, won Auckland and played very well this year."
In the second round it would go against top ten man Holger Rune in case of progress. The Danes agree with Thiem that the youngster in 2023 has not yet been able to meet his expectations. In view of the current situation, however, everyone in Team Thiem only sees from game to game. And so the task is Richard Gasquet in focus. Against whom Thiem wants to successfully take the first step on his path of change.