"I only practiced for 10 days" - Thiem on comeback in Belgrade

Dominic Thiem will continue his comeback road in Belgrade this week after his earlier attempt was cut short by a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

Dominic Thiem is aiming to get back on the court and compete again following numerous delays and interruptions this season, as he prepares to restart his comeback this week at the ATP 250 event in Belgrade. Thiem fell in the first round of the ATP Marbella Challenger three weeks ago and had been scheduled to next play Marrakech, but instead had to go into isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

He said:

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"I am very happy to be back on the court in Belgrade. I started at the Challenger in Marbella, then I tested positive for coronavirus and stopped again, so I have only practised for 10 days. It's not ideal preparation, but it's my first tournament. I hope to play good matches."

But Thiem, who won the 2020 US Open, is looking to compete hard even if he's not playing his best tennis yet. He added:

"It's important that I fight for every point, get back to my level again. Roland Garros is an especially important tournament for me."

He will face John Millman in the first round.