"He is the best role model for this" - Thiem using Nadal as blueprint in comeback from injury

Dominic Thiem opened his Gijon Open campaign with a solid win and it's been a positive trend in recent weeks for Thiem who is staging a comeback.

After missing a year due to wrist surgery, Thiem returned to tennis and slowly but surely he is making his way back to the top. While doing so the Austrian is using Nadal as inspiration and a blueprint as he watched him many times do the thing Thiem is trying to do:

“He is probably the best role model for this experience since he did it not only once, but four or five to come back from a long time of injury of six months or even more. And the form was always amazing. So it's a great inspiration.”

Thiem is not thinking about his career and he's simply focused on improving and getting back to the level that won him 17 career trophies so far including one grand slam:

“And I also think I have a few more good years ahead of me. I want to finish the year in the top 100. It would be fantastic to achieve this, I am mentally focused on the next game in Gijón. I still have a lot of points to go, so I need wins and good games to achieve that goal. And that is why I am working very hard, focused and very happy with the way I have started the tournament. I hope it can continue like this.”

Thiem is currenlty ranked as number 157 in the wrold.