Dominic Thiem’s retirement marks the end of an era in tennis. The Austrian star, known for his powerful one-handed backhand and relentless work ethic, leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Thiem’s career highlights include a Grand Slam title at the 2020 US Open, 17 tour-level singles titles, and a career-high world ranking of No. 3. He also had impressive performances against the Big Three, winning 16 of 35 matches against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.
Thiem’s signature shot was his one-handed backhand, a rare exception in an era dominated by two-handed backhands. His backhand was fueled by a full rotation of hips and shoulders, and he believed in it so strongly that he never backed off it.
His forehand was arguably even more lethal, with Thiem saying, “My strokes are safer when I hit full power.” The combination of his backhand and forehand made him a joy to watch, blending artistry, power, and focus.
Thiem’s greatest triumph came at the 2020 US Open, held during the height of the pandemic with no spectators in attendance. He rallied from two sets to love down against Alexander Zverev to win in five sets, becoming the first man since 1949 to come back from that deficit in a US Open final.
Thiem’s work ethic was relentless, and he was known for his dedication to practice. He was born into tennis, with his parents being tennis instructors, and he began working with renowned coach Gunter Bresnik at the age of nine.
Bresnik encouraged Thiem to drop his two-handed backhand for a one-hander, and Thiem’s devotion to practice was evident in his relentless pursuit of perfection. He was known for running into forests with logs on his back and swimming in chilly winter rivers, although he denied these rumors.
Thiem’s competitive appetite was insatiable, and he played over 25 events annually for three years, a workload of 223 matches. However, this devotion may have taken its toll, as he suffered a wrist injury in 2021 that ended his year and dropped him out of the Top 100 in 2022.
Despite his physical struggles, Thiem’s legacy will be remembered for his breathtaking tennis, his unwavering commitment, and his infectious desire to win. He was a man who carried himself with tremendous intention, and his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.
