Dominic Thiem has officially bid farewell to professional tennis, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career that saw him rise to the highest levels of the sport. The announcement came after his final match at the Vienna Open, where the Austrian star was defeated by Italian qualifier Luciano Darderi in straight sets. Despite the loss, Thiem was met with an emotional farewell from the home crowd, who have passionately supported him throughout his journey on the ATP Tour.
Thiem’s decision to retire was influenced by a lingering wrist injury that has plagued him over the past few years. The 30-year-old has been struggling to regain his top form since the injury first sidelined him in 2021, and after numerous attempts at a comeback, he has decided that now is the right time to step away from the game. The former World No. 3 expressed his gratitude to fans in an emotional on-court speech, thanking them for their unwavering support over the years.
Dominic Thiem’s retirement marks the end of a career that included numerous achievements, with the pinnacle being his triumph at the 2020 US Open. In a dramatic final at Flushing Meadows, Thiem captured his first—and only—Grand Slam title by defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in an unforgettable five-set battle. The match, played under the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Thiem staging a remarkable comeback from two sets down. He ultimately prevailed with a 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) victory, becoming the first player in the Open Era to recover from such a deficit in a US Open final.
Thiem’s career is characterized not only by his Grand Slam victory but by a consistency that saw him reach four major finals and earn 17 ATP singles titles. Known for his powerful groundstrokes, particularly his devastating one-handed backhand, Thiem was a dominant force on clay courts, where he made back-to-back finals at Roland Garros in 2018 and 2019, losing both times to the king of clay, Rafael Nadal. In addition to his success on clay, he was a fierce competitor on hard courts, as evidenced by his victory in New York and his appearances in the finals of the Australian Open and ATP Finals.
Thiem’s decision to retire comes after a challenging few years marked by his struggles with injury and the subsequent battle to regain fitness and confidence. The wrist injury, which initially occurred during a tournament in 2021, proved to be a significant setback. Despite undergoing surgery and enduring a lengthy rehabilitation process, Thiem found it difficult to recapture the form that made him a top contender. His ranking dropped significantly, and he spent much of 2023 and 2024 attempting to return to the upper echelons of the sport, facing both physical and psychological hurdles along the way.
The tennis community, including Thiem’s peers, reacted with warmth and admiration to the announcement of his retirement. Alexander Zverev, who shared some of Thiem’s greatest on-court battles, paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend and rival. In a touching Instagram post, Zverev acknowledged the inevitability of retirement in tennis, but emphasized that the relationships and memories created along the way are what truly matter. “Everyone’s tennis career will unfortunately come to an end sooner or later. But the people you meet and friendships you built will hopefully last a lifetime,” Zverev wrote. He went on to thank Thiem for the “toughest battles” they shared on court and the special moments they experienced off it, underlining the deep bond the two players have developed over the years.
The relationship between Zverev and Thiem is emblematic of the unique camaraderie that exists within the tennis world. Despite being a highly individual sport, professional tennis brings players together as they travel the globe competing in tournaments. These shared experiences often lead to deep friendships and mutual respect, even among the fiercest rivals. Zverev’s tribute highlighted the respect he has for Thiem, not just as a competitor but as a friend, and the impact Thiem’s presence has had on his own career.
The match that perhaps best encapsulates the essence of Thiem’s career and his connection with Zverev is the 2020 US Open final. The duel at Arthur Ashe Stadium was a display of grit, determination, and skill, with Thiem overcoming a sluggish start to win his maiden major. The victory was the culmination of years of hard work and near-misses, solidifying Thiem’s reputation as one of the game’s elite. It was a match that showcased his resilience, as he managed to keep his composure in the tense final set tiebreak, eventually sealing the championship with a forehand winner. It was a career-defining moment that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic Grand Slam finals in recent history.
Thiem’s retirement also serves as a poignant reminder of the physical toll that professional tennis can take. Known for his relentless baseline play and aggressive style, Thiem’s powerful game was always physically demanding. His forehand and backhand, delivered with ferocious topspin, were often the deciding factors in his matches, but the same intensity that made him successful may have contributed to the injuries that ultimately shortened his career. Thiem’s journey underscores the fine balance between pushing physical limits and maintaining long-term health, a challenge that many athletes face as they strive for greatness.
Though his time as a professional player has come to an end, Dominic Thiem’s legacy in tennis is secure. He leaves behind a career filled with memorable moments, spectacular matches, and a Grand Slam title that cemented his place among the sport’s greats. Beyond the titles and accolades, Thiem will be remembered for his sportsmanship, work ethic, and the passion he brought to every match. Fans and fellow players alike will miss his presence on the ATP Tour, but his impact on the game will endure.
As Thiem steps away from the competitive spotlight, his focus may now shift to new pursuits, whether in coaching, mentoring, or other roles within the tennis world. Whatever the future holds, Dominic Thiem’s contribution to the sport will not be forgotten, and his story will continue to inspire aspiring players who dream of reaching the heights he once achieved. With his departure, tennis bids farewell to one of its most beloved figures, but the memories he created on court will live on, celebrated by fans who watched him at his peak and cheered him through his struggles.