Thiem burst onto the tennis scene a few years ago by winning several ATP events early in his career. He was projected to become the next best thing however it never fully materialized. Nonetheless, Thiem has played multiple Grand Slam finals and won one so far in his career.
His coach Massu believes that his best years are still ahead of him. On Thiem's recent struggles he said:
“All athletes go through situations like this, whether they are shorter or longer, at an earlier or later age. I remember months ago that everyone pointed to him (Thiem) thinking that he would be the next number one.
He continued:
Before winning the US Open, the question was when was he going to win his first Grand Slam. That’s the sport, they are always asking you about things that come after. When you get top 10, they ask you when you will be top five.
Massu believes Thiem will be back stronger and on his day he can beat anyone:
“I know perfectly everything that works, I know what a good person he is, and I know that everything he won is because he deserves it. When he is well I know he can beat anyone, he is still young but he already has a lot of experience. I am confident that the next five to six years can be the best.”