The former number 3 in the world lost to Ugo Umbert (3/6 6/0) in the Rennes Open finals on Sunday, the 18th of September.
After several months off, Dominic Thiem made his comeback on the ATP Tour at the Marbella Open on March 29, 2022. Nearly six months after, the Austrian struggles to reenter to top of the rankings. Currently 182nd, he still has a long way to go.
On Sunday afternoon, Ugo Umbert crushed Dominic Thiem. The French let nothing to his opponent by playing a very efficient tennis: very few unforced errors, an amazing serve and a managed aggressiveness. By dominating every rally, Umbert chocked the 2021 US Open winner. Lacking ball depth and efficiency in the return of serve, Thiem played a defensive tennis – without impact. Despite a few break points to save, the French player won the first set easily: 6/3.
The match went on as it had begun. As he was confident, Ugo Umbert raised his level of tennis: perfectly constructed points, a repetition of winners and meaningless unforced errors. The Austrian seemed to be out of resources. His lack of explosiveness forced him to play on the lines. This unnecessary risk-taking ended up in a pile of unforced errors. The striking gap of level between the two players showed in the score: 6/0 for Humbert.
This match revealed the difficulties that Thiem is going through since his comeback on the tour. He seems to have lost confidence is his signature weapons. During this final, his topspin forehand lacked depth. As for his one-handed backhand down the line, it wasn’t there.
At 29 years old, ‘Domi’ hopes to be successful again. His will is clear: to return to the top of the ATP rankings. It remains to be seen if he still can. The rising stars of tennis, such as Carlos Alcaraz and Yannik Sinner won’t make it easy for him.
Marnie Abbou
