Two-time grand slam finalist Dominic Thiem has lost his opening match at the US Open for the first time in his career after producing an out of sorts performance.
Thiem, who reached the quarter-finals of the tournament 12 months ago, was edged out in four sets by Thomas Fabbiano. The Italian prevailed 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, to record his first ever win over a top five player at the age of 30. During stages of the match the fourth seed looked far from his best as he leaked 48 unforced errors. More than double the amount of Fabbiano (20).
“What happened is what I said before the tournament, that I’ll be able to play the match, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.” A disappointed Thiem reflected in his press conference.
“I got very, very tired and exhausted after two sets. I’m far away from 100%. Like this, it’s very tough to win.’
“I went on court because in tennis, especially in such long two-week tournaments, anything can happen.”
Just days before the start of the final major of the season, Thiem admitted that he was doubtful about his chances of doing well at the event. In recent weeks he has been struck down by a virus. He fell ill shortly after the Rogers Cup in Canada and appears to still be recovering.
“I’m happy for him (Fabbiano). But it was not the real me there on the court.” Said Thiem. “All I was thinking about was me, how I somehow can win the match.’
“But I don’t know how much his performance is worth because was not against the real me.”
Giving his early exit, there is a chance that Thiem could lose his No.4 spot in the world rankings. Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Kei Nishikori and Karen Khachanov all have a shot of dethroning him. In order for that to happen Medvedev or Zverev needs to reach the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Nishikori or Khachanov can only reach the position if they win the title.
It is the first time in Thiem’s career that he has suffered a first round loss at two consecutive grand slam tournaments. At Wimbledon he was knocked out by Sam Querrey.
Thiem’s conqueror Fabbiano will play Alexander Bublik in his next match.
