Former world No. 3 Dominic Thiem failed to clinch his first win of the year this week but he remains positive as he is optimistic he will eventually return to his old level.
Thiem, now ranked at No. 93 in the world, has picked up three losses since returning from a long injury break.
This week, Thiem suffered a defeat in the Estoril first round to Benjamin Bonzi.
Thiem thought she showed improvements in his game even though Bonzi claimed a 6-3 7-6 (9) win.
“I know it will take time for me to regain my perfect strength and my full potential. But I am ready to embark on this path. My aim is to do my best every day to take full advantage of my potential,” Thiem wrote on Twitter.
“Each day I notice that I get stronger and feel better from practice to practice and now also from one match to another.
“It is a process that takes time.
“I would like to thank everyone who accompanies me on my journey! Every day I appreciate the motivating messages and comments!”
I know it will take time for me to regain my perfect strength and my full potential. But I am ready to embark on this path. My aim is to do my best every day to take full advantage of my potential.
— Dominic Thiem (@domithiem) April 27, 2022
Thiem hopes for his first win in Madrid
Thiem made his long-awaited comeback in late March at the Marbella Challenger.
There, Thiem suffered a straight-set defeat to Pedro Cachin.
Last week, Thiem was beaten by John Millman in three sets in his first ATP event of the year.
This week, Thiem picked up another loss but he thought played well.
Thiem was sidelined for 10 months because of a wrist injury so him being far from his best isn’t really a surprise.
Thiem plans to play in each week before the French Open as he is set to play Madrid, Rome and Geneva.
Thiem, a two-time French Open finalist, won’t be among top favorites for the French Open crown this year.
However, he remains optimistic that he will eventually return to his old level and be a Grand Slam contender once again.