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WATCH: Cristian Garin defeats Dominic Thiem in the 2023 Santiago

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Former No. 3-ranked and 2020 U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem has continued to struggle on clay courts courts in South America as he works his way back from right wrist and abdominal injuries.

The 29-year-old Austrian lost to Cristian Garin on Tuesday in the first round of the Chile Open, his third consecutive tournament on clay.

Garin won 6-2, 7-6 (2) to advance to the round of 16 and will next play Sebastian Baez.

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Dominic Thiem of Austria celebrates after winning a point at 250 Argentina Open 2023

Dominic Thiem of Austria celebrates after winning a point at 250 Argentina Open 2023

Thiem has slipped down the rankings to 99th after claiming just one singles victory on tour this year—against Alex Molcan at the Argentina Open earlier in February.

Since then, he has lost all three matches he played in Buenos Aires, at the Rio Open and against home favorite Garin in Chile.