Dominic Thiem withdraws from Serbia Open with knee problems

World no. 4 Dominic Thiem will not compete in Belgrade next week, withdrawing from the Serbia Open as he is yet to recover from a knee injury.

Thus, Thiem has joined a list of notable absences from the Serbia Open, following Gael Monfils, Stan Wawrinka and Borna Coric, leaving Novak Djokovic as the clear title favorite. Thiem has won only five matches in 2021, losing three of the last four encounters and deciding to skip Miami and Monte Carlo and gain energy. As he still can't compete at 100%, the Austrian will take more time off the court, hoping to get back at his best by Madrid in May.

"2021 just doesn’t want to get going. Unfortunately I will have to cancel my start at next week’s tournament in Novak Djokovic’s hometown Belgrade. My knee hurts and I went to see a doctor. It is not a big issue but I need to take care of it. I am definitely not fit enough to play next week. I am terribly sorry because I was really looking forward to this tournament. I hope I will be able to play in Belgrade in 2022.

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'I want to get back at 100% by Roland Garros,' said Dominic Thiem

This will delay my return to the ATP-tour to Madrid. No later than that do I want to be completely fit at the beginning of May and play proper tennis. There is something positive, though: Coach Nicolas Massu arrived in Austria yesterday, we are going to continue my program even though at the moment we have to be careful.

In the meantime I have also been working on my physical fitness with sports scientist Mike Reinprecht. There is no doubt, the big goal till the summer are the French Open – in Paris I must be at my best," Dominic Thiem said.