The tennis world was met with a wave of sadness today as Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, announced his retirement from professional tennis. The 30-year-old Austrian cited a persistent wrist injury as the reason behind his difficult decision.
Thiem’s career has been a rollercoaster of powerful groundstrokes and clay-court dominance. He rose to prominence as a fierce competitor, reaching the finals of the French Open a staggering three times (2018, 2019, 2020), though falling short each time to the legendary Rafael Nadal. However, his relentless pursuit of success culminated in a historic victory at the 2020 US Open, defeating Alexander Zverev in a grueling five-set final.
This triumph marked the pinnacle of Thiem’s career. However, a wrist injury sustained in 2021 sidelined him for months and significantly hampered his performance upon return. Despite battling through rehabilitation and showcasing glimpses of his former brilliance, the injury ultimately proved too much to overcome.
In an emotional video message, Thiem acknowledged his inner struggle with the decision: “It’s a very important, very sad, very beautiful message that the season 2024 is going to be my last one… My wrist is not exactly the way it should be, and it’s not exactly the way I want it. The second reason is my inner feeling.”
Thiem’s retirement leaves a void in the sport. He was a player who thrived on physical battles from the baseline, providing a thrilling counterpoint to the finesse-oriented style of some of his contemporaries. His on-court intensity and infectious passion for the game made him a fan favorite around the globe.
While the tennis world mourns the loss of a potential champion, Thiem’s legacy remains secure. He leaves the sport with 17 titles, a US Open crown, and numerous unforgettable matches etched in the memory of tennis enthusiasts. The 2024 season promises to be an emotional farewell tour, as fans cherish the final glimpses of Thiem’s forehand magic.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert