"Can't even beat the ghost of Bautista Agut": Tennis fans react as Dominic THIEM thrashed in Monte-Carlo Masters qualifying

Returning at the Estoril Open with his second win of the year, some took confidence from Dominic Thiem's foray in Portugal. But this wasn't to be taken forward as he was royally beaten by Roberto Bautista Agut at the Monte-Carlo Masters.

Attempting to qualify for the main draw in a packed out stadium who were hoping Thiem would give them a taste of his former glory, it was done pretty sharpish.

Bautista Agut himself is nowhere near his previous best but sealed the win in just over an hour and 10 minutes 6-1, 6-2 to move through to the final round of qualifying. Thiem was initially set to face Arthur Cazaux who had to withdraw. Recently admitting that his wrist issues had returned, Thiem at the start of the season stated that he could retire come the end of 2024 if his ranking doesn't increase.

Currently only just inside the top 100, he seems to be sliding over going up and tennis fans reacted to the shock of Jose Morgado with a damning verdict on Thiem.

"THIEM is atrocious, horrible performance; can't even beat the Ghost of BAUTISTA AGUT," one wrote. "So sad to see thiem this way, i think he knows its time to close the curtains," another said.

"Can we stop acting like he’s good. This ain’t surprising lol," another continued. "Why are u surprised lol Thiem is about to retire," said another in a similar tweet.