Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, announced his retirement from professional tennis following a first-round loss at the Vienna Open. Thiem, 31, was defeated in straight sets by Italy’s Luciano Darderi, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2. This match marked the Austrian’s final professional appearance after revealing last week that he would retire at the conclusion of his home tournament.
A former world number three, Thiem’s career included 17 ATP Tour titles, highlighted by his victory in Vienna in 2019. Reflecting on his final match, Thiem said, “Those emotions, those feelings. Being in the flow, like I was in the first set. These are the things that will never come back.” He acknowledged the physical challenges he faced in the latter part of his career, adding, “It hurts. But at the same time I was playing some forehands, especially in the second set, and they were not even coming to the net. So it was the right decision.”
In a heartfelt tribute from the Vienna crowd, fans displayed cards with the Austrian flag and the words “Danke Dominic” (“Thank you Dominic”). Following the match, Thiem addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude for their support over the years. “I’ve had so many nice goodbyes in the last few months, but today I want to say thank you for all the sensational years,” Thiem said. “I am only a part of this career. The whole journey has been an absolute dream. I couldn’t have imagined it any better.” He also placed his racquet in a glass case to be auctioned for charity.
Thiem’s farewell in Vienna included an exhibition set against Alexander Zverev, the player he defeated to win his lone Grand Slam title at the 2020 US Open.
During his career, Thiem reached the finals of the French Open in 2018 and 2019, as well as the 2020 Australian Open. He also achieved significant victories against tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. However, a wrist injury in 2021 sidelined him for 10 months, causing his ranking to drop outside the top 350. Although he returned to the top 100 in 2023, Thiem struggled to regain his form and announced in May that this season would be his last.
Roger Federer paid tribute to Thiem, writing on Instagram: “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 career ends with 17 ATP titles and a lasting legacy in tennis, marked by his Grand Slam triumph and contributions to the sport.
