(Reuters) – Former U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem mentioned on Thursday he hopes to return to motion at Indian Wells in March, after being sidelined since June final yr due to a wrist harm.

Thiem has not performed since struggling the harm at the Mallorca Open and the 28-year-old, who has slipped to thirty seventh in the world rankings, was unable to defend his U.S. Open crown final yr. He additionally pulled out of the Australian Open in January.

The former world quantity three had deliberate on a return in Cordoba in Argentina this week, however was compelled to withdraw from the event after feeling ache in the knuckles on his proper hand.

The Austrian mentioned that he can be pulling out of tournaments in Argentina, Brazil and Chile, and added that he would intention for a return at Indian Wells, a event which he received in 2019.

“Training was going effectively in Vienna and I’m so glad that I’ve made a full restoration relating to my wrist,” Thiem mentioned in an announcement. “Unfortunately, I’ve suffered this minor setback in Santiago, which has compelled me to briefly cease coaching.

“It’s by no means simple to come again after being away from competitors for seven months. I’ll observe my physician’s recommendation and after resting a few days, I’ll begin coaching once more subsequent week.

“I would like some constant time on-court earlier than making my comeback.”

The Indian Wells event runs from March 9-20.

(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru, modifying by Pritha Sarkar)