The Austrian and the Swiss have a few things in common.
They have won four Grand Slams between them.
Three for Wawrinka (Australian Open 2014, Roland-Garros 2015 and US Open 2016), one for Thiem (US Open 2020).
These two former world number threes both have a sublime one-handed backhand and have suffered physical setbacks in recent months.
And these two big arms have chosen clay and this modest tournament in Andalusia to find sensations.
After this trial run, they will notably be expected at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (April 10 to 17).
Stan Wawrinka has not stepped on the courts in competition for a year and a defeat in the first round of Doha in March 2021. Victim of a tendon injury, he underwent surgery on his left foot last June.
A second surgery was finally necessary, following which he had to draw a line under his 2021 season. To get back on his feet, the native of Lausanne notably carried out his rehabilitation within the training complex of the… Paris SG.
Wawrinka posted numerous videos and photos on social media of his exercises and races.
Dominic Thiem has not played a tournament for nine months.
On the grass of Mallorca at the end of June 2021, he had given up in the 1st round, due to an injury to his right wrist.
After having postponed his return to competition several times in recent weeks, Thiem, who also received an invitation from the Spanish challenger tournament, is finally on the attack.
He faces this Tuesday the Argentinian Pedro Cachin, 228th in the world.
Expected in February on the occasion of the South American tour disputed on ocher, the native of Neustadt had this time injured the tendons of the hand during training in Cordoba.
He had again postponed his return to March.
"
I prefer to come back for the season on clay, it's the surface where I feel the best
".
Read alsoTennis: “My gift is to be back in competition”, assures Wawrinka
Read alsoTennis: Thiem announces his return to competition
As a result of this long absence, the two players have dropped in the standings.
The Swiss is now ranked 232nd in the world.
The Austrian limited the damage.
But the 50th in the world will have a lot of points to defend during the spring on earth.
Beware of falling.
Before getting back to serious business, the two tournament attractions hit the ball together at the Puente Romano Tennis club, which hosts the tournament.
Communication is intended to be reassuring and lucid.
One, Thiem, can still dream of committing at 28.
The other, Wawrinka, 37 since Monday, is in the final stretch of a fine career.
"
I know it will be a long process to get back to the top level, but I'm ready to work hard and humbly,
" Thiem said on his Instagram account.
.
It's been a very, very difficult time for me and coming back to competition is what I need.
Walking on a tennis court and playing is what I've been waiting for for a long time
”.
“
It's the passion for tennis that drives me to come back.
It will take me time but I am also extremely convinced that I will get there,
said the Vaudois for his part to
RTS Sport
.
I don't want to stop with an injury.
After the career that I had, I want to finish as I would like.
I want to be able to rediscover the emotions of the public and play big matches
.
The feelings are good.
I am still very far from the form I want to achieve, but I think I will gradually get there.
I am happy to be able to play a match again
”.
First test, this Tuesday against the Swede Elias Ymer, 131st in the world.
