Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish sensation, recently opened up about the impact Dominic Thiem had on his family, particularly his younger brother. As Thiem prepares to retire from professional tennis after the Vienna Open, the tennis world is taking a moment to celebrate the career of a player who, despite facing numerous injuries in recent years, was once one of the most formidable competitors on the ATP Tour. The heartfelt tributes and kind words from Alcaraz underscore the lasting impression Thiem has left on a new generation of players, even those who never had the chance to face him in official competition.
### **Dominic Thiem’s Journey and the Decision to Retire**
Dominic Thiem, 31, announced that he would be stepping away from the professional tennis circuit following the conclusion of the Vienna Open, his beloved home tournament. Thiem’s career has been one of high peaks and challenging lows. At his best, he was a powerhouse on the court, known for his aggressive baseline play, exceptional stamina, and powerful one-handed backhand. His crowning achievement came in 2020, when he captured the US Open title, defeating Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set final and becoming the first male player born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam.
However, Thiem’s career was not without setbacks. In recent years, he struggled with a series of wrist injuries that disrupted his momentum and made it difficult for him to maintain the high level of play he was known for. Despite a valiant effort to stage a comeback, Thiem ultimately decided that the time had come to retire, leaving behind a legacy that includes 17 ATP singles titles, a Grand Slam championship, and a reputation as one of the most entertaining and dedicated players of his generation.
### **Carlos Alcaraz’s Tribute: A Family Connection to Thiem’s Career**
Though Carlos Alcaraz never got the chance to compete against Dominic Thiem in an official ATP Tour match, he still has a deep respect and admiration for the Austrian star. In a touching interview, Alcaraz shared how Thiem had a unique impact on his family, particularly his younger brother.
“My little brother used to play tennis, and he was a huge fan of Dominic Thiem. He played with Thiem’s racquet, not mine!” Alcaraz revealed, smiling at the memory. “So he was always watching Dominic’s matches, and I heard often from my brother: ‘I want to play like Dominic Thiem. I want to play like him, with the same racquet and the same style.’ In my family, we have a really high estimation of Dominic.”
For Alcaraz’s brother, Thiem was a role model, and his dedication to emulating the Austrian’s playing style highlights how influential Thiem was, even to younger players who were just starting to learn the game. Alcaraz’s comments were a reminder that, beyond statistics and titles, a player’s impact can extend to the personal lives and ambitions of young athletes around the world.
### **A Practice Session to Remember: Alcaraz and Thiem in 2020**
Alcaraz’s only direct interaction with Thiem on the court came in 2020, when the then-16-year-old Spaniard had the opportunity to practice with Thiem during the ATP tournament in Rio de Janeiro. This was before Alcaraz exploded onto the scene as one of the most promising young talents in tennis, but he was already soaking up the experience of being around top-tier players.
“I had the chance to watch him play a lot. I shared a few tournaments with him,” Alcaraz said. “When I played my first ATP Tour tournament in Rio de Janeiro in 2020, I had the chance to practise with him. I was super excited about it. I watched him beating the big players, winning the big tournaments. He had a really great career.”
For Alcaraz, who would go on to win multiple Grand Slam titles himself, the opportunity to hit with Thiem was a formative moment. It gave him a close-up view of Thiem’s meticulous preparation and the intense work ethic that defined the Austrian’s rise to the top. Though they never met in an official match, that practice session in Rio stands out in Alcaraz’s memory as a special connection to a player he admired.
### **Dominic Thiem’s Legacy: A Player Who Defined an Era**
Thiem’s career will be remembered for its intensity and for the exciting rivalries he forged with some of the biggest names in tennis. He reached four Grand Slam finals, winning his only major at the 2020 US Open. He was also a three-time finalist at the French Open, where he pushed the legendary Rafael Nadal to his limits in two epic title matches. Thiem’s powerful baseline play, combined with his relentless fighting spirit, made him a favorite among fans who appreciated his ability to go toe-to-toe with the sport’s greats.
But Thiem’s legacy extends beyond his on-court achievements. For a generation of young players, including Carlos Alcaraz’s brother, Thiem was a source of inspiration. He was a player who demonstrated that with dedication, perseverance, and a love for the game, even a young boy from a small Austrian town could rise to the pinnacle of the sport. His down-to-earth personality, respect for his opponents, and determination to come back from injury setbacks earned him admiration from his peers and fans alike.
### **Vienna Open: A Farewell Celebration for Thiem**
As the Vienna Open unfolds, it serves as a fitting backdrop for Thiem’s farewell. This tournament, held in his home country, has always held a special place in Thiem’s heart. It’s where he’s received the loudest cheers, where the crowds have supported him through both triumphs and challenges, and where he chose to make his final stand. Before his opening-round match, a special ceremony was held to honor his career, with fans, players, and the ATP community paying tribute to a player who gave everything he had to the sport.
Carlos Alcaraz, now a leading figure in the next generation of tennis stars, was just one of many who spoke warmly of Thiem’s influence. “He had a really great career,” Alcaraz said. “It’s sad to see him retire, but his legacy will continue to inspire so many, including me and my family.”
### **The End of One Chapter and the Start of Another**
As Dominic Thiem steps away from the professional game, his departure marks the end of an era in tennis. For fans, the Vienna Open is not just another tournament; it’s a celebration of a player who brought excitement, power, and passion to every match he played. For Carlos Alcaraz and countless others who were inspired by Thiem’s journey, it’s a reminder of the impact one athlete can have, both on and off the court.
Thiem’s retirement may be the end of his ATP Tour career, but the echoes of his influence will continue to resonate. As young stars like Alcaraz rise to prominence, they carry with them the lessons learned from those who came before—players like Dominic Thiem, who showed that even in the face of adversity, the love for the game never fades.