Thiem takes advantage of Nadal’s package

As the saying goes: the misfortune of some is the happiness of others. Indeed, the announcement Thursday afternoon of Rafael Nadal’s package for the 2023 edition of Roland-Garros allowed an additional player to pass the cut and therefore to directly integrate the main draw of the second Grand Slam of the year. However, this chance did not return to just anyone. Quite the contrary.

At the time 101st in the world in the ATP ranking, it was Dominic Thiem who took advantage of the absence of the Spaniard, winner of the tournament at Porte d’Auteuil 14 times. Currently 96th, the Austrian, who will climb a few ranks next Monday, will therefore avoid having to go through the qualifications to be in the running on Parisian clay, from next May 28. A nice twist of fate for him, who lost twice in the final against Nadal here (in 2018 and 2019) and at the same time a real godsend.

Thiem struggling since the end of 2020

Indeed, since his coronation at the US Open in September 2020, the former world number three has struggled to regain the level which was his in the past and which made him a serious contender for titles at the Grand Slams. . Currently barely in the top 100 ATP, Thiem is going through a very delicate period in his career and has been hampered by a recalcitrant wrist injury.

However, after a horrible start to the year 2023 (entry elimination at the Australian Open and at the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami), the Austrian seems to be regaining his feelings a little during the Challenger tournaments. For example, he has just reached the semi-finals of a tournament on his home soil, in Mauthausen. Unfortunately for him, Thiem was unable to continue this week in Bordeaux and was eliminated in the round of 16 by Corentin Moutet, after having released Benoit Paire for his entry into the running. The Parisian air could perhaps allow him to shine again…