World No.3 Dominic Thiem has reiterated his opposition against a motion to donate towards a fund helping lower ranked players by arguing that money should only be issued to those who deserve it.
Earlier this week the three-time grand slam finalist came out against calls from Novak Djokovic to contribute towards a specialised scheme set up to support those during the Tour suspension. Under Djokovic’s plan, Thiem would be asked to pledge $30,000 towards it along with every other member of the top 10. Something he doesn’t agree with which has triggered some criticism from his fellow players.
“Unfortunately, this is what some of the higher ranked players think. Sadly a lot of lower ranked players are “people really in need now” some are unable to even buy food or get medical help,” world No.233 Tara Moore said in response.
“They have essentially lost their job too and if he would want a sport To come back to then he would understand the desperation. There’s possibly a future grand slam champion ranked outside 500 who is not coming back from this crisis. There’s players whose family members are sick and their only income is tennis (coaching, club matches).”
Thiem’s argument against the initiative is that he doesn’t want funding be given to players who he believes ‘don’t commit 100%’ or are ‘unprofessional’ in the sport. He has also said none of the lower ranked players are currently in a life or death situation due to the Tour hiatus. Even though they are unable to earn money at present.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, the 26-year-old said he would like to be given the option of being able to choose who would receive funding from relevant bodies during the current period.
“There are just a few things that bother me about the whole thing,” Thiem told Sky Sports Austria.
“I don’t back down from my opinion that there are some players I don’t want to support. Therefore I would much prefer it to be chosen by the players themselves, because then those players who really need it and who really deserve it will benefit.”
Admitting that his previous comments might have come across harsher than he intended, Thiem isn’t backing down over his view on the topic. Saying that there are other causes that needs more support.
“It is a fact anyway, not only in the current time. There will always be people, animals and organizations who need support much more urgently than probably every single athlete.” He concluded.
Due to a relaxation in Austria’s lockdown rules, Thiem returned to training yesterday and took part in a hitting session with Jurgen Melzer. Prior to the Tour suspension, he has won nine out of 13 matches played this season, as well as a total of $1,741,574 in prize money.
