Thiem: "I prefer to give money to those who really need it"
In an interview via Skype broadcast on the electronic version of the Austrian newspaper Kronenzeitung, the player assures that in the lower classes of the circuit "there are many players who do not commit everything to sport and who do not live the life of a professional as it should be."
"That's why I don't see why I should give money to players like that. Honestly, I prefer to give money to people and organizations that really need it," added Thiem.
"None of the top players have been given anything for free. And besides, no tennis player, not even those who are at the bottom (of the rankings), struggles to survive, none of them will die of hunger," said the Austrian.
In mid-April, Novak Djokovic, the world number one and president of the ATP Players Council, proposed creating a support fund for his fellow players, after talking to Spanish Rafael Nadal (number 2) and Swiss Roger Federer (number 4).
"We have to help the players. Many of them are considering leaving professional tennis because they simply cannot survive financially," Djokovic said in a letter sent to the other ATP ranking players.
While the ATP would have allocated one million dollars to help players ranked between 150th and 400th in the world, the big three would be looking for a range of support between number 250 and 700.
On the other hand, Thiem highlighted that he has tried to stay in shape during the weeks of quarantine and confinement, which in Austria was not as hard as in other countries.
Since last week, the Austrian star has been training at a tennis center in Vienna, although without a specific goal, as no one knows how the ATP circuit will continue.
"I am at a pretty good level in terms of my physique, but now the important thing is to be back on the tennis court," he said.
"There is no concrete training plan. This will exist when we know how the circuit will continue," he added.
Regarding the possibility of participating with Austria in the final of the Davis Cup in Madrid at the end of November, Thiem said that it is a "realistic" date to be played as planned.
"I want to play there because it's a great event. I really enjoy playing the Davis Cup, and with the best man (on the Austrian team) we can have good chances in Madrid. If I want to play, I will play," he concluded.