Dominic Thiem reveals his plan for clay season, talks French Open expectations

Former world No. 3 Dominic Thiem has revealed he plans to play every week before the French Open.

Thiem, 28, made his long-awaited comeback from a wrist injury in late March.

After the Marbella Challenger, Thiem tested positive for COVID-19 and skipped Marrakech and Monte Carlo.

Thiem has recovered from COVID-19 and his crowded schedule begins this week at the Serbia Open in Belgrade.

“A long recovery is behind me. I am happy to be back in Belgrade. I was here two years ago when I won the Adria Tour. Last year I wanted to go back, but I had an arm injury. I don’t know how I’m going to play now, but I know I’m going to fight with every point. Belgrade is the start of my season and I plan to play every week until Roland Garros. I am ready for the first match,” Thiem said.

Thiem hopes to prepare well for the French Open

A few years ago, Thiem was a dominant force on clay and considered as the biggest threat on the surface to Rafael Nadal.

Thiem, who made back-to-back French Open finals in 2018 and 2019, doesn’t want to set his expectations too high for this year’s French Open but is hoping to be a top contender for the Roland Garros title next year.

“It is very important for me to start playing again. In Belgrade, I will have the opportunity to play and train with many players from the Top 10. I don’t know how I will play and what form I am in, but it is important that I fight for every point. I hope to play at a high level again. Roland Garros is also coming, and it is a special tournament and I am looking forward to participating. I don’t know what to expect here. I hope that in 2023 I will be at the top as I was before, that is, that Roland Garros will be mine, because then I will reach the right form,” Thiem said.