“Melbourne, a city that I love and where I have great memories of unforgettable matches in front of amazing crowds. I will miss the Australian fans but I will be back in 2023,” he added.
Thiem, however, won’t be the only high-profile male star missing.
Roger Federer has already been ruled out as he continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery, while Rafael Nadal’s participation also appears in doubt after his comeback from an ankle problem was scuppered when he tested positive for Covid-19.
Defending champion Djokovic’s participation is also in serious doubt, but not because the Serbian has any injury worries ahead of the tournament in Victoria.