"I love Spicy Food - maybe I had too much of it": Dominic Thiem reveals crippling stomach issues that caused US Open withdrawal
ATP
Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem has admitted that having ‘too
much’ spicy food might’ve cost him at the US Open.
The 30-year-old had to retire from the second of the fourth
and final Grand Slam against America’s Ben Shelton, largely because of having
stomach issues.
Thiem, while talking to the media ahead of the Vienna Open,
explained that the issue might’ve occurred because of his love for spicy food.
“It was a long story with my stomach,” he said. “After the
US Open, I couldn't do anything for two weeks before I could start training
again. But now I'm fine again. All I know is that it wasn't bacteria. Maybe I
got some bad water or food somewhere. I love spicy food - maybe I had too much
of it.”
Thiem is now set to face off Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in
a mouthwatering round of 32 clash at the competition on Monday.
While talking about it, the former world number three admitted
that Tsitsipas will enter as a favorite but believes that he is capable of
producing a good result as well.
“He's the favourite for sure,” he said. “But if I bring my
performance to the court, I'm sure I'll have chances. The last duels were all
very close and were only decided in the tiebreak of the last set. Especially
indoors, often only a few points decide.
“In the first years
here, that might have inhibited me a little. Now it's no longer like that,
especially since I was able to win the tournament in 2019. I'm looking forward
to that positive energy, which is incredibly helpful for me.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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