Thiem defeated Nadal in the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in 2020.Credit:Getty Images
Knee injuries and form slumps led to the Austrian taking several recovery breaks from the global circuit,which included missing the 2022 Australian Open and at one stage slipping outside the world’s top 300.
Speaking on the eve of hisBrisbane International clash with Nadal on Tuesday, Thiem said his sights were set on proving he warranted a place at the Australian Open – with his current standing of 98 one short of automatic entry.
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It ensures he will need to be either granted a wildcard or fight for his place through the qualifying tournament once again.
He said while his injury-ravaged period came with its challenges,he believed he had learned the harsh lessons needed to remain a threat in the latter stages of his career.
“Yes,of course,the time when I was injured was very tough for me,but still,it was a good lesson and an experience that every athlete must go through. There’s no injury-free career for an athlete,so it’s important to learn from it,” Thiem told this masthead.
“Now,I’m looking forward to the tournament in Brisbane and tomorrow’s match,but,of course,I’m already fully motivated for[the Open in] Melbourne.