‘Dominic Thiem can beat anyone’ – Coach warns against dismissing ailing US Open champion

Dominic Thiem can still beat anyone and may have his best years still ahead of him, says coach Nicolas Massu.

Things have not gone well for Thiem since he won the US Open last year, with him struggling for form, fitness, and consistency on the ATP Tour.

He is currently out injured with a wrist problem, which is obviously hampering his preparation to defend his maiden Grand Slam title.

However, Massu has warned not to dismiss Thiem despite all his recent struggles.

“All athletes go through situations like this, whether they are shorter or longer, at an earlier or later age,” Massu told Punto de Break.

“I remember months ago that everyone pointed to [Thiem] thinking that he would be the next number one.

“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.

“Athletes have to adapt to these pressures, which are normal, especially at these levels.

“Good moments should be taken calmly, with the same calm as bad moments. That is the key, accept the processes.

“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.”