Jimmy Connors offers guidance to Dominic Thiem amid claims involving Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

The eight-time Grand Slam singles champion believes Dominic Thiem should persevere in his quest to return to his previous level of performance and is optimistic that the Austrian star still has time to reclaim the top spot in tennis.

Thiem enjoyed a stellar season in 2020, securing his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open and finishing as a runner-up at both the Australian Open and the ATP Finals. However, his form has waned since then, with a lack of motivation in the first half of 2021 followed by a right wrist injury in June of that year.

Upon his return to the court in 2022, the 30-year-old has struggled with a weakened forehand, which was previously his strongest weapon. In a recent interview with Der Standard, Thiem acknowledged that this year could be pivotal for his career, expressing that it might be his last opportunity to make significant progress.

“If I make it, it can happen quickly. I’ve been back for two years now since the injury, and I finished 2022 ranked around 100 and last year at 98,” Thiem, currently ranked No. 90 in the world, stated. “If I finish the year around 100 again, you have to consider whether it’s still worth it.

I’ve been stuck in rankings that I don’t want to be in for two years now. Of course, that weighs on me… I’ve been chasing the feeling of truly being able to perform at my best in a match again for a long time, and I hold myself to high expectations.”