Thiem still chasing first win of comeback after loss to 58th-ranked Bonzi in Estoril

Former world No 3 Dominic Thiem continues to chase the first win of his comeback from a nine-month wrist injury layoff after going down to France’s Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets in the first round of the ATP Estoril Open in Portugal on Tuesday.

After losing the first set against the 58th-ranked Bonzi, Thiem held three set points in the second set tiebreaker but was unable to force a decider. Bonzi won 6-3, 7-6 (11-9) in one hour and 42 minutes without facing a break point on his serve.

The Austrian is now 0-3 in his comeback, having also lost his first round matches in Marbella (ATP Challenger event) and Belgrade, where he extended Australian John Millman to three sets.

It’s tough to lose in early rounds but it is nice to feel that I’m improving every week: Thiem reveals mixed feelings after latest loss

Speaking after his loss, Thiem said it was tough losing opening matches every week but felt at the same time that his game has been improving.

“It’s tough to lose in early rounds and I feel this won’t be the last time, but at the same time is nice to feel that I’m improving every week. It’s a feeling that you don’t have when you are top 5,” Thiem said as quoted by journalist Jose Morgado.

“My forehand came back in the second set and there were some very good points. Much better than in Belgrade. I’m very disappointed today because my forehand cameback in the second set and I really wanted to play a third set. I’m pissed about that,” the former US Open champion added.

After several delays to his comeback, Thiem plans to play a full clay court schedule and will be playing in Madrid, Rome and Geneva before heading to the French Open in late May.

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