Dominic Thiem defeats top-100 player and sets up encounter with Richard Gasquet in the Estoril Open's second round

Dominic Thiem arrived at the Estoril Open after a stunning defeat against compatriot Lucas Neumayer, then ranked 219th in the world, in the second round of the Zadar Challenger in Croatia. This loss intensified discussions about a potential overhaul for the 2020 US Open champion.

Thiem posted a video on Instagram last week explaining that he withdrew from the Naples Challenger due to a wrist injury and would make his return at the Estoril Open. Thiem's first opponent was Daniel Altmaier, ranked 97th in the world.

But Thiem was at his best. He dominated the German in the first set, with three break points in his favor and none against him. The second set saw a stronger-serving Altmaier, who was more capable of responding to Thiem's game. With a break each, the tiebreak would decide the set, and Daniel Altmaier capitalized on it. He handled Thiem's serve well to force a third set.

Both players displayed a high level in the decisive set, holding their respective service games. But it was Dominic Thiem who proved slightly superior, securing two break points that sealed the victory. After the match, he admitted that comparing himself to the player he was when he won the US Open no longer made sense and assured that he no longer felt wrist pain.

"It's a different galaxy. There's a bit of everything; I had more power at that time, more confidence, I was playing better, I had a smoother game. There are many differences, but I stopped comparing myself to that time. I'm trying to do my best within my current situation," Thiem said according to the Lusa news agency.

After 2 hours and 14 minutes of play, Dominic Thiem is set to face Richard Gasquet, ranked 122nd in the world, on Wednesday in the second round of the Estoril Open.