By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, August 28, 2023

Dominic Thiem reworked his US Open first-round match into restoration day.

The 2020 US Open champion Thiem defeated Twenty fifth-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 for his first Flushing Meadows match win since he fought again from two-sets right down to defeat Alexander Zverev within the 2020 US Open last.

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That day, Thiem joined Pancho Gonzales as simply the second man in historical past to rally from two units down and win a US Open last.

Today, Thiem snapped a streak of six main opening-round exits scoring his first Grand Slam victory since he battled again from two units right down to defeat Nick Kyrgios on the 2021 Australian Open.

The former world No. 3 noticed his profession stalled by a continual wrist damage that appeared to sap each his confidence and ferocious forehand.  

Earlier this month, a defiant Thiem denied 5 match factors out-dueling Laslo Djere 6-7(3), 7-5, 7-6(8) to achieve his first last because the 2020 ATP Finals on the pink clay of his Kitzbuhel residence match. Thiem says that run to the finals—and the actual fact his wrist has withstood the pressure of match play and numerous apply periods—has infused him with confidence.

"The physical trust is there, you know. Since the injury I have played many tournaments," Thiem stated. "I did many, many practice sessions. I really also gave a lot of load on the wrist again. So it's completely fine. The mental side was not that easy as restore the arm was. Was not doing the same job I was used to before the injury, so that was not easy.

"Yeah, with each success, with each match, particularly with larger successes or higher weeks like I had in Austria once I performed my first finals or additionally right here, again on successful methods in Grand Slams, it helps loads on the psychological facet and to get the complete belief once more within the wrist. And, yeah, that it does 100% what I would like with the forehand."

The forehand and return game will crucial components for Thiem in his second round clash vs. Australian Open quarterfinalist Ben Shelton.

"I performed him on clay, however this was simply, I assume, his first clay court docket match ever or one thing," Thiem said of Shelton. "On arduous, I assume it is a fully totally different recreation. He performed quarters within the Australian Open. He had some nice outcomes on arduous court docket.

"In general, I'm looking forward a lot to that match. He's a great guy. He's unbelievable athlete. I really love to watch him. Yeah, I guess that one big thing gonna be the return again. He's serving incredible.

"Today I used to be returning nicely, so I strive to try this within the second spherical as nicely."

Photo credit score: Mike Lawrence/USTA/US Open

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