New Delhi, Dec 19 (UNI) Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem on Sunday said that he will take a final call on participating at the Australian Open by the end of December.
The 2020 US Open champion revealed that he caught a cold while he was Dubai. Subsequently, Thiem has withdrawn from the ATP Cup and ATP 250.
In a note shared on Twitter, the 28-year-old said, "My aim is still to play the Australian Open but will make a final decision about my participation by the end of December."
"After speaking to my team, we have decided to return to Austria, instead of flying directly to Australia. Unfortunately, I caught a cold (and tested negative for Covid-19) while in Dubai and was unable to practice last week."
"I will therefore not be in the physical condition required to be able to play the ATP Cup and Sydney ATP 250. After not competing for the last 6 months I can't take the risk of coming back too soon and picking up a further injury," he added.
Earlier in June, Thiem withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics 2020 due to his struggling form. He then suffered a wrist injury at the 2021 Mallorca Championships, forcing him to retire from the tournament.
The injury kept Thiem out of the 2021 Wimbledon as well. The Austrian withdrew from the remainder of the 2021 season due to his wrist injury.
Thiem added that his wrist is now "almost at 100 percent" and his level of practice has increased.
"Overall, the time I spent in Dubai was great as I've increased the intensity and level of practice and my wrist is almost at 100 percent. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish my fans, partners and media all the best for the holiday season!" he signed off.
UNI PN