Dominic Thiem, a former World No. 3 and the 2020 US Open champion, officially retired from professional tennis following a first-round loss at the 2024 Erste Bank Open in Vienna. The announcement came as a bittersweet moment for tennis fans and players alike, marking the end of a remarkable career defined by powerful groundstrokes, incredible resilience, and a beloved sportsmanship. Among those who paid tribute to Thiem were Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz and his younger brother, Jaime, who had a particularly emotional connection with the Austrian player.
### **Thiem’s Farewell in Vienna: An Emotional Exit**
Thiem’s career came to an official end after he was defeated by Italy’s Luciano Darderi, 7-6 (6), 6-2, in the opening round of the ATP 500 tournament in Vienna. As Thiem waved farewell to the crowd in his home country, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. The Austrian, who had once reached the pinnacle of the sport with his powerful backhand and relentless fighting spirit, received a standing ovation from the audience—a fitting tribute to a player who had given his all to the game.
At 31, Thiem’s decision to retire followed a difficult battle with wrist injuries that plagued him since 2021, derailing what many believed would be the prime years of his career. Despite these setbacks, Thiem leaves behind a legacy of 17 career titles, with his crowning achievement being his US Open triumph in 2020. In the wake of his announcement, tennis legends like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal took to social media to congratulate Thiem on his career, acknowledging his impact on the sport and his indomitable spirit.
### **Carlos Alcaraz and Jaime’s Admiration for Thiem**
Carlos Alcaraz, one of the rising stars of the tennis world, added his voice to the chorus of tributes. However, his words carried a personal touch, as he shared how much Thiem meant to his younger brother, Jaime. In a heartfelt video tribute released on TennisTV, the 21-year-old Alcaraz highlighted how Jaime, now 13, had idolized Thiem for years.
“My little brother plays tennis. He is a huge fan of Dominic Thiem,” Alcaraz shared. “He used to play with his racket, not mine.”
Carlos explained that Jaime’s admiration for Thiem went far beyond simply liking his game. The young tennis enthusiast would imitate Thiem’s playing style and even opted to use the same Babolat Pure Strike racket, ignoring Carlos’s Babolat Pure Aero—the very racket his older brother had used to climb to the top ranks of the sport.
“He was always watching Dominic. I hear a lot of things from my little brother, ‘I want to play like Dominic Thiem. I want to play like him with the same racket; same style,’” Alcaraz recounted. He added, “In my family, we have really high admiration for Dominic.”
### **Jaime’s Tribute to His Idol**
Jaime’s admiration for Thiem wasn’t confined to private practice sessions. He frequently showcased his support for the Austrian player, especially during Thiem’s challenging comeback attempts over the past few years. Even as Thiem struggled to regain his top form following his wrist injuries, Jaime remained a loyal fan, watching his matches and cheering him on from afar.
After Thiem’s retirement, Jaime took to social media to pay his own tribute, celebrating the career of a player who had profoundly influenced his own approach to the game. The young Spaniard’s posts were a reminder that, while Thiem’s competitive career may be over, his legacy continues to inspire the next generation of players.
### **The Racket Choice: A Symbol of Loyalty**
Jaime’s decision to play with Thiem’s Babolat Pure Strike racket was a symbolic gesture of loyalty to his idol. This choice did not go unnoticed by Thiem himself. In 2023, a video of Jaime’s practice session circulated on social media, showing the teenager wielding the distinctive Babolat Pure Strike. Thiem, noticing the young player’s preference, playfully responded in the comments: “He’s playing the right racket @carlitosalcarazz.”
Carlos Alcaraz joined the interaction, responding to Thiem’s comment with an enthusiastic endorsement of his brother’s devotion: “@domithiem he loves you!! You are his idol.” It was a lighthearted exchange, but it underscored the deep connection Jaime felt with Thiem, a player who had become a role model both on and off the court.
### **Thiem’s Career: A Journey of Highs and Lows**
Dominic Thiem’s career was a journey of peaks and valleys, marked by triumphs and setbacks that endeared him to fans worldwide. His breakthrough moment came in 2020 when he captured his first—and only—Grand Slam title at the US Open. That victory was the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and near-misses. Thiem had previously reached three Grand Slam finals, twice at the French Open and once at the Australian Open, only to fall short in those decisive moments. The US Open win solidified his reputation as one of the most talented and determined players of his generation.
However, injuries soon took a toll on Thiem’s career. In 2021, he suffered a series of wrist injuries that severely impacted his performance, forcing him to take an extended break from the tour. While Thiem attempted several comebacks, he struggled to recapture the form that had made him a top contender. Despite the setbacks, he remained a beloved figure in the tennis community for his humble demeanor, powerful playing style, and willingness to fight until the very end.
### **Carlos Alcaraz’s Rising Legacy and a Family Connection to Thiem**
For Carlos Alcaraz, Thiem’s retirement marks the end of an era. The young Spaniard, often compared to Rafael Nadal for his aggressive playing style and precocious success, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with on the ATP tour. Yet, despite his rapid rise to the top, Alcaraz remains grounded, acknowledging the players who came before him and those who influenced his journey—Thiem included.
The emotional tribute from Carlos and Jaime underscores how Thiem’s career impacted not just his contemporaries but also the next generation. Jaime’s aspiration to emulate Thiem’s playing style serves as a reminder of the Austrian’s legacy, one that extends beyond titles and rankings. Thiem’s dedication to the sport, his sportsmanship, and his unique approach to the game will continue to inspire young players like Jaime, who see in him a model of perseverance and passion.
### **A Fond Farewell to Dominic Thiem**
As Dominic Thiem steps away from professional tennis, his departure leaves a void in the sport. Fans, players, and analysts alike will remember him not just for his accomplishments but for the grace and humility with which he approached the game. His legacy will live on, not only in the record books but also in the hearts of young players like Jaime Alcaraz, who see in Thiem the kind of athlete they aspire to become.
For Carlos Alcaraz and his family, Thiem’s influence will remain a cherished memory, a reminder of the power of admiration and the bonds that tie generations of players together. And for Dominic Thiem, the standing ovation he received in Vienna was more than just a farewell—it was an acknowledgment of a career well-played and a legacy that will endure.