Next stop Marrakech for rejuvenated Thiem

Former world No. 3 Dominic Thiem said he was happy with his performance as he made his long awaited comeback with 6-3, 6-4 loss to Argentine Pedro Cachin at the Marbella Challenger.

“Today’s been one of those days with big emotions and mixed feelings,” Thiem said.

“You can imagine how happy I was today to be on a tennis court, doing what I love the most: playing tennis and competing again.

“After all these months, all those setbacks I had in the past few months, I was able to play again to feel the adrenaline of the competition.

“I felt like a player again,” Thiem said in a Facebook post. “Obviously, the result today is the bitter part.

I would have wanted to win, and I have to accept the defeat in a humble manner. This is only the beginning of a long way to the top of my game.

“This is something I knew could happen and the only thing I can say is that I am going to give it all to try to come back to my best level.”

Thiem added he had been granted a wildcard into next week’s ATP event in Marrakech.

“Once again, I want to thank all of you for your support, and you can count on me to try and give my best.

“Next stop Marrakech!”