Dominic Thiem’s illustrious tennis career officially came to an end in Vienna, where he played his final ATP Tour match against Italy’s Luciano Darderi. It was a bittersweet moment for the Austrian, who walked off the court defeated, signaling the conclusion of a journey that had once seen him rise to the pinnacle of the sport. In front of his home crowd, Thiem said his goodbyes, acknowledging both the highs and the lows that defined his time as a professional player. It’s a story of triumph, adversity, and resilience—one that reflects the true nature of an athlete who has left an indelible mark on tennis despite the challenges he faced.
In 2020, Thiem reached the zenith of his career with a dramatic victory at the US Open. That final against Alexander Zverev was one of the most unusual and gripping Grand Slam finals in recent memory, with both players vying for their first major title. Thiem’s five-set win cemented his status as a champion, but it also marked the beginning of an unexpected decline. Few could have predicted that the Austrian, who had just climbed to the third spot in the world rankings, would struggle to recapture that form in the years that followed.
After his triumph in New York, Thiem’s motivation began to wane. The relentless grind of the ATP Tour took its toll, and his passion for the game appeared to diminish. He later acknowledged that the pursuit of a Grand Slam title—so often thwarted by the dominance of the Big Three—had taken a psychological toll. “It’s something I chased for so long, always feeling the pressure with Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic in the way,” Thiem said in retrospect. His struggles were compounded by a severe wrist injury in 2021, which became a pivotal turning point in his career. The injury sidelined him for months, and even when he returned, it was clear that his game had been affected. The wrist never fully recovered, limiting the power and consistency that had once been hallmarks of his play.
Despite the setback, Thiem refused to give up. He battled his way through Challenger tournaments, hoping to regain his former glory, but the results were elusive. In 2023, after months of struggling on tour, Thiem made the difficult decision to retire, choosing to step away from the sport rather than accept a diminished role. “I didn’t want to continue just to be a second-tier player,” Thiem explained. “It’s not in my nature to compete without the belief that I can win at the highest level.”
His career, however, is far from a tale of unfulfilled potential. In many ways, Thiem’s legacy is defined by the two distinct phases of his career. The first phase saw him as a rising star, a player capable of challenging the greatest in the game. He was one of the few who could boast of a solid win record against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, with a 46% win rate against the legendary trio—a testament to his undeniable talent and competitive spirit. His aggressive baseline play, powerful one-handed backhand, and mental toughness made him a formidable opponent on any surface, particularly clay, where he often pushed Nadal to the limit.
The second phase of his career was marked by struggle and perseverance. It’s a period that showcased Thiem’s determination to return to form, even as he faced physical and emotional setbacks. Speaking to the media after his final match, Thiem admitted that accepting his decline was a gradual process. “I was chasing a version of myself that no longer existed,” he said. “My wrist was never the same—less power, less stability, less confidence.” His honesty about the challenges he faced resonated with fans and fellow players alike, earning him respect for his transparency and courage.
After his final competitive match, Thiem received a heartfelt tribute from the organizers of the Vienna tournament. The event was a fitting farewell for a player who had become a national hero in Austria, inspiring a generation of young players. In an exhibition match with his good friend and long-time rival, Alexander Zverev, Thiem once again took to the court, this time for fun rather than competition. The atmosphere was celebratory, a stark contrast to the intensity that had defined so many of his previous battles. “I couldn’t have imagined a better way to say goodbye,” Thiem shared with the audience, his voice breaking with emotion. “These are the moments that I’ll cherish forever, even if it’s hard to let go.”
Italian star Matteo Berrettini, who spoke with *Tennis.com* about Thiem’s retirement, offered insight into why the Austrian’s decision made sense. “Tennis is not just about hitting a ball,” Berrettini said. “There’s so much more involved—your physical state, your mental strength, and the sacrifices you make. I respect Dominic’s choice because he knew it was time, and he leaves with my respect and the respect of many on tour.” Berrettini highlighted the challenges Thiem faced after his wrist injury, noting how difficult it can be to trust one’s body after a serious setback. “Once you lose confidence in your body, it’s incredibly hard to compete at the top level,” Berrettini added.
As the era of the Big Three draws to a close—with Federer retired, Nadal set to depart the tour soon, and Djokovic no longer at his peak—many wondered how Thiem might have fared had he continued. With his unique ability to challenge the legends, Thiem seemed poised to thrive in a new era of tennis. However, he remains at peace with his decision to walk away. “It would not have made sense to push my body further,” Thiem stated. “I’ve given everything I had, and I have no regrets.”
Looking ahead, Thiem’s future is uncertain, but coaching might be on the horizon. He has expressed interest in working with younger players, sharing the lessons he learned during his career. “I don’t plan to travel with the tour right now,” Thiem said. “But I think my experiences could be valuable, especially for those transitioning from juniors to the professional level. There’s so much I’d like to pass on.”
Thiem’s legacy will be remembered as one of courage and authenticity. From his early promise to his Grand Slam glory and subsequent struggles, he has been a player who wore his heart on his sleeve, unafraid to show vulnerability in a world that often demands invincibility. His journey is a reminder that success in sports is not always linear, and that the true measure of an athlete’s greatness is not just in the trophies won, but in the battles fought—both on and off the court.