Thiem, who won the 2020 US Open, went 0-7 as he returned to tour from his injury layoff this season, but then re-evaluated his training and motivation.
“I told myself I have to put a little bit of pressure on myself again, to start winning matches again,” he said. “From 300 in the rankings to 100 in just three or four months, which was very good.
“The direction was definitely right. Still, I was not playing at my top level again and this I wanted to switch around in the offseason.”
Yet the former No. 3 also knows the climb back will be tough. The Australian Open has given Thiem a wild card.
“Still it’s going to be really difficult since I’m not seeded and I can face anybody at the beginning of any tournament. But I’m fit, I’m happy to compete and I’m looking forward to starting,” said Thiem.