"There is a bit of a lack of self-confidence": Thiem pondering tennis future after Miami exit

Dominic Thiem is pondering over his tennis future after losing to Lorenzo Sonego in the first round of the Miami Open admitting that he lacks self-confidence.

Thiem has been dealing with a lack of confidence for much of this year because his play has simply not been good. He had some good showings t the end of last year with many expecting him to find a really good level this year. It hasn't happened with the actually contrary happening of Thiem losing the little form he had at the end of last year.

Speaking after the match, Thiem said:

“It was a tight first set. Unfortunately, after the tie-break, I lost my tension for a very short time, then I’m 4-0 down and only then can I get back into the game – the holes are just not good. The slight loss of concentration or the slight drop in tension was also the reason why I lost the second set.”

His next events will be on clay and perhaps a return to what used to be his strongest surface by far will do good for him. He found some form last year on clay which translated well into the indoor season after that. The confidence part of his game simply needs to be rebuilt:

“Of course, there is also a bit of a lack of self-confidence, and I have to make sure that I get that back."