Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion and former world number three, has officially retired from professional tennis at the age of 31, marking the end of an illustrious career. The Austrian’s final match came at his home tournament, the Vienna Open, where he was defeated 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 by Italy’s Luciano Darderi in the first round.
Thiem, who had announced his retirement plans last week, expressed mixed emotions following the match, stating, “It hurts, but at the same time, it was the right decision.” Reflecting on his performance, he noted, “Being in the flow, like I was in the first set… those emotions will never come back.”
In a heartfelt gesture from the home crowd, fans displayed Austrian flags with the message “Danke Dominic” (“Thank you Dominic”), celebrating his remarkable career. Thiem gave an on-court speech, placing his racquet in a glass case to be auctioned for charity. “The whole journey has been an absolute dream,” he told the audience. “I couldn’t have imagined it any better.”
Thiem’s career was highlighted by 17 ATP titles, including his crowning achievement at the 2020 US Open, where he famously defeated Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set final. He was also a two-time French Open finalist and runner-up at the 2020 Australian Open, earning key victories over tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic during his career.
However, his career took a sharp downturn following a wrist injury in 2021 that sidelined him for 10 months, resulting in his ranking plummeting outside the top 350. Although Thiem returned to the top 100 last year, he struggled to regain his best form and confirmed in May that 2024 would be his final season on tour.
Tennis icon Roger Federer paid tribute to Thiem on Instagram, acknowledging the Austrian’s achievements and sportsmanship: “An illustrious career comes to an end. Congratulations, Domi. No matter the surface, you always found a way to beat me with your thunderous backhands. But more importantly, you did it with grace and sportsmanship.”
Thiem’s retirement was also marked by a special exhibition match against Zverev, the player he defeated in his US Open triumph, further commemorating his legacy in tennis.
As Thiem closes the chapter on his professional career, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, grace, and powerful tennis, cementing his place among the sport’s greats.
