Dominic Thiem Retires from Tennis After Illustrious Career
Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion and former world number three, bid farewell to professional tennis on Tuesday at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. The Austrian’s final match ended in a 7-6 (6), 6-2 defeat to Luciano Darderi, but the occasion was marked by a heartfelt celebration of his remarkable career.
Thiem’s journey to the top of the tennis world began at a young age. Born in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, he showed exceptional talent from an early age. He turned professional in 2011 and quickly rose through the ranks, reaching the semifinals of the French Open in 2016 and 2017.
In 2018, Thiem made his breakthrough by winning the Indian Wells Masters. He followed that up with a runner-up finish at the French Open, losing to Rafael Nadal in a thrilling five-set final. Thiem’s consistency and resilience earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike.
The pinnacle of Thiem’s career came in 2020 when he triumphed at the US Open. In a tournament played without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev in five sets to claim his first Grand Slam title. The victory cemented his status as one of the best players in the world.
However, injuries began to take their toll on Thiem in recent years. He struggled to maintain his peak form and slipped down the rankings. Despite his setbacks, Thiem remained determined to return to the top. He underwent surgery on his wrist in 2022 and worked tirelessly to regain his fitness.
Thiem’s retirement marks the end of an era in Austrian tennis. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in his country’s history. His achievements on the court and his unwavering spirit have inspired countless young athletes.
