Dominic Thiem Begins French Open Farewell with Comeback Victory
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Dominic Thiem commenced his French Open swansong with a stirring comeback victory against Franco Agamenone in the first round of qualifying. The former US Open champion triumphed over the Italian with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 scoreline, igniting the packed crowd on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
At 30 years old, Thiem is set to retire later this year. Despite his past successes at Roland Garros, where he was the runner-up in 2018 and 2019, Thiem did not receive a wildcard entry for this year’s tournament. As a result, he must navigate the qualifying rounds to earn a spot in the main draw of the Grand Slam, which begins on Sunday.
Thiem’s career has been marred by a persistent wrist injury since his triumphant victory in New York in 2020, causing his world ranking to plummet to 131. His journey to reclaim a place in the main draw requires him to win two more matches, a feat that would be a fitting finale to his career.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Billy Harris kicked off his qualifying campaign with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 victory over American Emilio Nava. In contrast, Lily Miyazaki suffered a 6-1, 6-1 defeat to China’s Wei Sijia, and Jan Choinski was bested 6-4, 6-4 by the United States’ Denis Kudla.
On the brighter side for British tennis, Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, Dan Evans, and Andy Murray are all set to compete in the men’s singles main draw. The women’s singles will see Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, and Jodie Burrage representing Britain.
Adding to the tournament’s intrigue, record 14-time champion Rafael Nadal practiced on Monday, amidst speculation that this could be his final French Open appearance. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who has hinted that 2024 may be his final season, has stated that he will only compete if he feels “capable enough to compete.”
As the French Open looms, all eyes will be on these seasoned competitors, each with their unique stories and ambitions, striving to make their mark on the revered clay courts of Roland Garros.
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