The tennis world bid an emotional farewell to one of its most talented and beloved players, Dominic Thiem, as he officially retired at the Vienna Open. The former world No. 3, who captivated fans with his explosive style and relentless spirit, decided to hang up his racket after a series of injury struggles that derailed his once-promising career. Thiem’s farewell was marked by a heartfelt retirement ceremony, where six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker was among those who paid tribute to the Austrian’s remarkable journey.
### **The End of an Era: Thiem’s Final Match and Retirement Ceremony**
Dominic Thiem’s retirement came after a hard-fought match against Italy’s Luciano Darderi, ending in a 7-6(6), 6-2 defeat. This loss marked the conclusion of Thiem’s professional career, and although the outcome wasn’t what fans had hoped for, the atmosphere was electric. The match was less about the score and more about celebrating the career of a player who had left a significant mark on the sport.
Before the tournament began, Thiem participated in an official retirement ceremony. The event was filled with emotional tributes from fellow players, family, and fans, who gathered to honor his contributions to tennis. Among the attendees was Boris Becker, the legendary German player, who took the stage to reflect on Thiem’s accomplishments and express his admiration for the Austrian star.
### **Boris Becker’s Heartfelt Tribute**
After the ceremony, Boris Becker took to Instagram to share his thoughts on Thiem’s career and legacy. Accompanying his post with photos from the ceremony, Becker praised Thiem’s perseverance, talent, and sportsmanship, acknowledging the challenges he had overcome and the inspiration he provided to the tennis community.
“Dear Dominic, as you close this remarkable chapter of your career, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve had in tennis,” Becker wrote. “Your talent, determination, and sportsmanship have inspired countless fans and players alike. It’s been a privilege to witness your growth and achievements on the court. From your stunning victories to the resilience you showed in tough times, you’ve left an undeniable footprint on the sport.”
The words captured the sentiments of many who had followed Thiem’s journey from a promising junior to a Grand Slam champion. Becker highlighted Thiem’s remarkable rise to the top and his ability to bounce back from adversity, emphasizing how his legacy would continue to resonate long after his retirement.
### **Dominic Thiem’s Career: From Grand Slam Glory to Injury Struggles**
Dominic Thiem’s career has been defined by his incredible athleticism, powerful groundstrokes, and unwavering work ethic. He first emerged as a serious contender on the ATP Tour in the mid-2010s, known for his prowess on clay courts. His tenacity and fighting spirit led him to his first major breakthroughs at the French Open, where he reached the finals in 2018 and 2019, both times falling to the “King of Clay,” Rafael Nadal.
Thiem’s most significant achievement came in 2020 when he clinched his first—and only—Grand Slam title at the US Open. In a dramatic final against Alexander Zverev, Thiem staged a stunning comeback from two sets down to win in five sets, becoming the first man in 71 years to win the US Open after trailing by two sets in the final. This victory was seen as a defining moment, solidifying his place among the tennis elite.
However, Thiem’s career took a devastating turn in 2021 when he suffered a severe wrist injury during a match in Mallorca. The injury sidelined him for months and disrupted his rhythm, making it difficult for him to regain his form. Despite a few promising comebacks, Thiem struggled to compete at the highest level, and his ranking slipped as younger players began to dominate the tour. The injury woes persisted, and the former world No. 3 ultimately decided that it was time to step away from the sport.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Thiem admitted that it was a painful choice but one he knew was right. “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,” he said, speaking to the crowd in Vienna. “Those emotions, those feelings. Being in the flow, like I was in the first set. These are the things that will never come back. 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.”
### **A Career of Highs and Lows: Thiem’s Notable Achievements**
Dominic Thiem’s career is a story of triumphs and challenges. Before his US Open victory, he had made his mark at other Grand Slam tournaments. In addition to his two runner-up finishes at Roland Garros, Thiem also reached the final of the 2020 Australian Open, where he narrowly lost to Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller. His performances in these high-stakes matches showcased his ability to challenge the very best in the sport.
Thiem’s success wasn’t limited to Grand Slams. Over his career, he amassed 17 ATP Tour titles, including a memorable victory at the prestigious Indian Wells Masters in 2019, where he defeated Roger Federer in the final. He also had significant wins in Barcelona and Beijing, along with multiple titles on his beloved clay courts. His aggressive baseline play, powerful one-handed backhand, and relentless determination endeared him to fans and made him a formidable opponent for any player on tour.
### **The Emotional Farewell in Vienna: A Celebration of Thiem’s Legacy**
The Vienna Open provided a fitting backdrop for Thiem’s farewell, as it took place in front of a home crowd that had supported him throughout his career. The atmosphere was a mix of celebration and nostalgia, with fans holding up banners, waving Austrian flags, and cheering every point Thiem won. Though his final match ended in defeat, the crowd’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive, a testament to the affection and respect they had for their hometown hero.
Thiem’s farewell speech was full of gratitude, acknowledging the role of his supporters, coaches, and family in his career. “I am only a part of this career. The whole journey has been an absolute dream and I want this afternoon, this evening to be yours,” he said. It was a poignant moment, highlighting the deep connection between Thiem and his fans, who had followed him through his greatest victories and most challenging setbacks.
### **What’s Next for Dominic Thiem?**
As Thiem steps away from professional tennis, he leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, passion, and sportsmanship. While his retirement marks the end of an era, it also opens a new chapter in his life. Thiem has expressed a desire to remain involved in the sport, hinting at possible future roles in coaching, mentoring, or even tournament commentary. His experience, insight, and dedication to the game make him a valuable asset to the tennis community, and fans will be eager to see what his next steps will be.
Boris Becker’s tribute summed up the sentiments of many in the tennis world who have watched Thiem grow from a promising young talent to a Grand Slam champion. “As you move forward into this new phase of your life, know that your legacy will continue to inspire,” Becker wrote. “Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors. Enjoy every moment.”
Dominic Thiem’s journey may have ended on the court, but his impact on the sport will endure. His story is a reminder of the highs and lows of a professional athlete’s career, where triumph and adversity are often two sides of the same coin. As the tennis world says goodbye to Thiem the competitor, it welcomes Thiem the legend, a player who fought with heart, showcased immense talent, and remained true to his love for the game.