Two-time French Open finalist Dominic Thiem's hopes of a wildcard entry into this year's tournament were dashed on Tuesday, forcing the former US Open champion to navigate the qualifying rounds to secure a spot in the main draw. The 30-year-old Austrian, who announced his retirement at the end of the season due to a persistent wrist injury, will now face an uphill battle to reach the Roland Garros main event.
Thiem's absence from the wildcard list was not the only surprise, as 2018 French Open women's champion Simona Halep and 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu were also overlooked by the French Tennis Federation. Instead, the wildcards were awarded to Alexandre Muller, who was defeated in the fourth round of the Rome Open as a qualifier, and Alize Cornet, who will be making her final appearance at the tournament. American Nicolas Moreno de Alboran and Australian Adam Walton also received wildcards.
The decision to deny Thiem a wildcard has raised eyebrows, given his impressive record at Roland Garros. The Austrian reached the final in 2018 and 2019, losing to Rafael Nadal on both occasions. However, his form has suffered in recent years due to his wrist injury, and he has struggled to regain his previous level of play.
Halep's omission from the wildcard list is also surprising, considering her status as a former champion and her recent resurgence in form. The Romanian has won two Grand Slam titles and reached the semifinals of the French Open on three occasions. Raducanu's absence is less surprising, as she has struggled to maintain her form since her US Open triumph last year.
The French Open, the second Grand Slam of the season, will get underway on May 26. The qualifying rounds will begin on May 22, and Thiem will be among the favorites to secure one of the remaining spots in the main draw.
Tags: #DominicThiem, #FrenchOpen, #Wildcard, #SimonaHalep, #EmmaRaducanu
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