WIMBLEDON: Dominic Thiem’s grand slam momentum from the French Open came to an abrupt end on Tuesday at The All England Club.
Seeded fifth in the draw, he crashed out 6-7(6), 7-6(1), 6-3, 6-0 to America’s Sam Querrey. A player who has recently found his footing on the grass after reaching the final of the Eastbourne International last week. He was bagelled twice on the court during 2018 by Fernando Verdasco in Rio de Janeiro and Rafael Nadal in Monte Carlo.
The telling factor of Thiem’s downfall was his inability to break. Failing to convert all six of his break point opportunities. Meanwhile, Querrey was able to take control with the help of 22 aces and 53 winners. Winning 90% of his first service points.
“I think I played pretty well or pretty decent until one set all and 3-4. Was a little bit unlucky I think with the set point in the second set. Third set I had again a break chance.” Thiem reflected.
“I was a little bit pissed, of course, after that. He converted his first break chance. That was tough for me. After that, not a lot was working for me.”
It is not the first time Thiem has failed to shine at Wimbledon. He has now lost in either the first or second round in five out of his past six appearances. Raising one question about the world No.4. What is he doing wrong?
Ironically it could be argued that his undoing is his favorite surface. An intense clay-court season saw Thiem play 19 matches over five tournaments. Not counting his participation in the doubles.
“There are still things which are not easy,” Thiem admits. “Last year and this year together I played four grass court matches, which is not a lot at all.’
“All the clay court season it takes a lot out of me. I gave everything that I had physically and also mentally in all these six weeks until the end of the French Open. Then I had to take the decision to come here without any preparation.”
There is no easy solution for the 25-year-old, who is at his most dangerous on the dirt. Although his first Masters 1000 title was on the hard courts in Indian Wells. There is a three-week gap between the French Open and Wimbledon. Then after is more clay events with one of those taking part in Thiem’s home territory in Kitzbuhel. From this perspective, it could be argued that there needs to be a review of the calendar. Although other players have coped with the scheduling fine.
“Maybe they have a little bit more experience or they are more talented on the grass. I don’t know. I mean, I cannot hope that Wimbledon is going to be later (in the calendar).”
Once again the grass hasn’t been kind to Thiem. His now has a 14-14 win-loss record on the surface in his professional career. The only consolation is a longer than expected break followed by a return to his beloved clay.
