Google News Barbara Schett identifies Dominic Thiem's main problem after devastating RG loss
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 5032
Former world No. 7 Barbara Schett thinks Dominic Thiem is full of doubts and that is the main reason why he is 0-7 since making his long-awaited comeback. On Sunday, two-time French Open runner-up Thiem suffered a devastating straight-set defeat versus Hugo Dellien in his Roland Garros opener.
Thiem, who was just a few years ago considered as the best clay court player along with Rafael Nadal, barely stood a chance versus Dellien as the Ecuadorian claimed a 6-3 6-2 6-4 win. “Dominic Thiem went out in the first round to Hugo Dellien.
It was very frustrating for him and you could tell he didn’t have much match practice. He is not hitting the ball as hard as he used to, especially on that forehand win, and he is doubting himself at the minute. I think it is more a mental problem at the moment after losing seven matches in a row," Schett told Eurosport, via Tennishead.
Schett: The mental part is what is causing Thiem trouble
"I still think he has doubts. He hasn’t played in several months after that wrist injury and whenever he hits the forehand it looks to me like he doesn’t follow through the ball as fast as he used to.
In the past he was the hardest hitting player out there, that’s pretty much what the players said amongst them. That’s missing at the moment," Schett added. “The mental part of a tennis player is the most important part.
If he can’t fix that, if he can’t get that self-confidence back, then that speed on his forehand will also not be there." After Thiem lost to Dellien, he revealed he might decide to play a few Challenger tournaments.
Schett thinks it would be wise for Thiem to go to the Challenger level and try to gain some confidence there. Also, Schett added Austria needs Thiem to play well since the popularity of the game has increased massively in recent years, mostly because of his success.