31-year Old US Open Champion Dominic Thiem Retires in Vienna
31-year-old former US Open champion Dominic Thiem made his formal retirement announcement at the Vienna ATP tournament.
Thiem’s career was full of incredible achievements, including 17 tour-level singles wins and a 2020 US Open victory. He is well-known for his strong game and tenacity on the court. With standout performances against the biggest names in tennis, including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, the Austrian was once ranked third in the world and a formidable force in the game.
Impressive Achievements and Battles with the Best
With a 16–19 win–loss record against Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer, Thiem fought hard against the “Big Three” of tennis. Among his accomplishments were wins over Nadal at the Australian Open and Djokovic at Roland Garros. Federer himself commended Thiem’s performance, emphasizing his capacity to persevere in challenging circumstances. These victories demonstrated Thiem’s distinct style, which combined strength and accuracy, and cemented his place as a leading competitor.
Thiem’s Signature Shots: A Tennis Artist
A rarity in contemporary tennis, Dominic Thiem’s magnificent one-handed backhand won him praise. He was a standout player because of his dedication to perfecting this stroke, which combined full-body rotation with unflinching confidence. His forehand was just as deadly as his backhand, which attracted praise. Thiem’s aggressive style of play was influenced by his belief that hitting his strokes with full force made them more trustworthy. Because of his unique style, he became a fan favorite in addition to being a top player.
The 2020 US Open: Thiem’s Defining Moment
Thiem’s greatest accomplishment occurred at the 2020 US Open, which was held without spectators amid the COVID-19 epidemic. Thiem came back from a two-set deficit to defeat Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set final. Thiem became the first man to accomplish this feat at the US Open in more than 70 years with this historic comeback, which was reminiscent of Pancho Gonzalez’s victory in 1949. The triumph is still regarded as a turning point in his career and positioned him among tennis greats.
Early Life and Dedication to Tennis
Thiem was raised for success from an early age because he was born into a tennis household and both of his parents were tennis coaches. At the age of nine, he started practicing with famous teacher Gunter Bresnik, who urged him to use his trademark one-handed backhand.
Thiem’s commitment to the sport was unmatched, and his intense training schedule earned him a reputation for working nonstop. His career was distinguished by his unwavering work ethic; tales of his rigorous training sessions have become legendary in the tennis world.
The Physical Toll and Career Decline
Thiem paid a price for his dedication to the game. Due to his rigorous playing schedule, he competed in more than 25 events annually, especially between 2015 and 2018. Eventually, this heavy workload had a negative impact. After taking a hiatus from tennis due to a wrist injury in 2021, Thiem fell out of the top 100 in the world by 2022. Despite his attempts to get better, Thiem acknowledged that his once-dominant forehand was suffering due to the mental strain of competition.
A Legacy of Passion and Power
Dominic Thiem‘s remarkable passion for the game defined his career. His dedication to tennis was demonstrated by his late-night Grand Slam matches and early-morning practice sessions. The sport is forever changed by Thiem’s journey, which is replete with both thrilling victories and vulnerable periods. He is one of the most enduring tennis players of his generation because to his strong strokes, unwavering work ethic, and intense passion for the game.
Future tennis players will be motivated by Thiem’s legacy even after he retires from the game. His distinctive style and capacity for elite competition guarantee that Dominic Thiem’s name will live on in tennis history.
