"Things can change in an instant": Former Dominic Thiem's coach recalls the injury that ended the Austrian’s career

Former Dominic Thiem coach Nicolas Massu reflected on his successful years with the Austrian and the difficult period when a wrist injury began to end his career. Massú’s guidance was crucial in Thiem achieving some of the most significant milestones of his career, including his first Grand Slam title, victories at Indian Wells, and finals at Roland Garros and the Australian Open.

"He’s a spectacular guy, as a person," said the 2004 Athens gold medalist. "He finished the year ranked No. 3 one season, No. 4 the next — all in quick succession. I enjoyed the success, which is very hard to maintain over time."

The Chilean coach — who now works with Hubert Hurkacz — spoke about the moment when Thiem’s career was disrupted by a wrist injury. "From success, we went to very difficult times when he got that wrist injury in Mallorca," said the former world No. 9. "It was very complicated. Imagine him as a player, ranked No. 3 in the world, aiming to be No. 2 or even No. 1."

"These are painful, sad things, but it also brought us together to keep fighting so he could come back," the Chilean Davis Cup captain added.  Although Thiem returned to the court after a year away, he never regained his top form. He managed to return to the top 100, but after a year of inconsistent results, the Austrian decided to retire, ending his career in Vienna in 2024.

"The journey was long and difficult, but I think he gave his best effort. I gave my best effort, and so did everyone around him. Later, he made the decision to move on and live his life in another field. It was hard, but it leaves an important lesson: things can change in an instant," Massú added. "Sports exposes you to situations like this. You never expect it to happen, especially at your peak. But I remember the early years with him as the best part of my career — I had only been a coach for five years, and those years were unforgettable."

Massú traveled with the Polish team to Sydney for the United Cup, where he joined Wim Fisette — Iga Swiatek’s coach — and Mateusz Terczyński, the Polish team captain. The Chilean coach hopes to help Hurkacz bounce back after multiple injuries that sidelined him last year, causing him to fall from the top 10 to No. 72.

"Now, with Hurkacz, to have the same passion, the same drive, with another spectacular guy who is coming back, is also a lesson. I’m very motivated to help him. We have a great team around us, and that keeps me motivated — going from Dominic to Hurkacz and always being there supporting each other."

The 27-year-old Pole hopes to regain confidence this week in Sydney, where he needs to start winning matches and points quickly, thinking ahead to the Australian Open, where he defends a second-round finish from 2025. If he doesn’t start winning soon, he risks falling even further in the rankings, potentially dropping out of the top 100 next month.