"Huge stepback" says Thiem on early Lyon Open exit

Dominic Thiem hoped he could pick up some form at the Lyon Open but his run was cut short in his first match against Cameron Norrie.

Dominic Thiem has not enjoyed a great clay season so far after enduring several disappointing losses. He had a decent a showing in Madrid but failed to build upon that result in Rome which is why he chose a wild card entry in Lyon. He hoped to get some more match time on clay ahead of Roland Garros but his plans were spoiled by Cameron Norrie.

The Brit played a fabulous match defeating Theim 6-3 6-2. After the match the Austrian was honest saying:

"It's just a huge step back, I was hoping to take the little positive signs from Madrid and Rome here, but didn't work out I have to analyze now and look now at Roland-Garros."

Thiem has been one of the best clay performers in the past several years reaching the Roland Garros final twice and losing to Nadal both times. Last year his Roland Garros Open was cut short but it was an emotional time for Thiem who just won the US Open two weeks prior.

This year his clay form has been far from good and this result is another disappointment for the Austrian ahead of a very important event for him.