US Open defending champion Dominic Thiem to miss event with wrist injury

Defending US Open champion Dominic Thiem, on Wednesday, announced that he will not participate in this year’s tournament because of a right wrist injury. He further added that he will also be missing the rest of the year. Thiem hurt his right wrist while playing the Mallorca Open in June earlier this year.

He said that the pain returned last week after he hit a ball during training. Doctors recommended he wear a wrist splint for another six weeks before resuming training.

Ranked number six in the world, Thiem made the announcement in a social media post. A statement from his management company described the injury as a detachment of the posterior sheath of the ulnar side of the right wrist.

“I’m very disappointed not to be able to defend my US Open title and to miss the rest of the season,” the 27-year-old from Austria said in the statement.

“But I know this is what I have to do. I have a long career ahead of me, so I will only come back once I’m fully recovered and in good shape to compete.”

“It has been a tough decision to make but I know this is what I have to do. I have a long career ahead of me and it’s important not to take risks and rush back – which I hope you understand.”

“I want to thank you all for the support that you have given me so far. It really means a lot to me and gives me a lot of strength and helps me stay positive in this difficult time. I will use this time where I am not competing to stay in shape and put more focus on causes I’m very committed to, such as sustainability especially ocean conservation and nature.”

“I will keep you updated on my progress. Take care and I can’t wait to be back on the court.”

Thiem won his first major title last year at Flushing Meadows. En route to his title, he beat Alexander Zverev and became the first player to come from two sets down in the US Open final since Pancho Gonzales in 1949.

But after the two-time French Open finalist was stunned by Pablo Andujar in the first round in Paris this year, he played only one more match. Thiem was leading Adrian Mannarino in the first set of his opening match at Mallorca when he had to stop playing.

Thiem joins five-time US Open champion Roger Federer and 2016 winner Stan Wawrinka among players who will miss the year’s final Grand Slam tournament because of injury.

The tournament begins on August 30.