Thiem tones down practice regimen to prevent wrist injury
Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem in action during the match against German opponent Maximilian Marterer on the first day of the 2024 ATP Estoril Open, Estoril, Portugal, April 1, 2024. (EPA Photo)


Former U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem aims to sidestep a persistent wrist injury by adopting a more measured approach to training.

The 30-year-old, once ranked third globally, seeks to reclaim his former glory after a tumultuous period marked by a debilitating wrist injury in 2021 that led to a lengthy hiatus and a decline in his ranking.

On Monday, the two-time French Open finalist claimed his first win on the ATP Tour in 2024 by beating German Maximilian Marterer 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-4 in the first round of the Estoril Open.

"(I'm going) to listen a bit to my body," Thiem said after his win. "To really take care that there is nothing coming up, no problems for the wrist. I cut down the intensity of my practice a little bit, but I've had enough practice in my life. I can handle it if it's a little bit less."

Thiem, who next faces veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet on Wednesday, added that he did not feel any pain in his wrist during his first-round win, telling organizers: "Obviously, it's a little bit of a day-by-day (situation).

"But I have my physio here, who's great. I have a day off tomorrow as well which helps. I should be ready for Wednesday."