Dominic Thiem's Comeback Gains Momentum

Dominic Thiem has taken another significant step in his comeback following a lengthy injury layoff.

The 28-year-old Austrian earned his first ATP Tour-level victory in more than a year at the Bastad Open, defeating Emil Ruusuvuori before overcoming World No. 20 Roberto Bautista Agut in three sets.

After starting the season with six consecutive defeats, Thiem said the victories confirmed that he is moving in the right direction.

"I beat Ruusuvuori and Bautista Agut—both very strong opponents. If I can beat players like them, I know I'm on the way back," Thiem said after the match.

His impressive run in Bastad ended in the quarterfinals with a three-set loss to Argentina's Sebastian Baez.

The 2020 US Open champion had been sidelined for an extended period due to a wrist injury sustained in 2021. Currently ranked No. 339 in the ATP rankings, Thiem is competing using a protected ranking as he continues his return to top-level tennis.