Dominic Thiem, the Austrian tennis player known as the “Prince of Tennis,” has officially bid farewell to his professional career at the age of 31 after losing to Italian player Luciano Darderi at the Vienna Open. This moment is bittersweet for tennis fans, as Thiem has had a remarkable career, yet it is also marked by regrets due to injuries that hindered his quest for greater heights.
Peaks and Memorable Moments
Dominic Thiem has left a profound mark on the tennis world with his impressive achievements. Some notable milestones in his career include:
2016: Thiem claimed his first ATP 500 title in Acapulco, Mexico.
2019: He secured his first ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, defeating the legendary Roger Federer.
2020: The pinnacle of his career came when he won the US Open, becoming the second Austrian player in history to clinch a Grand Slam title.
Thiem was not only an outstanding player but also one of the most formidable challengers to the legendary trio: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. He was renowned for his powerful play and one-handed backhand, consistently causing trouble for the “BIG 3” on the court.
Injuries and Regrets
However, as Thiem’s career was gaining momentum, a severe wrist injury in June 2021 marked a tragic turning point. This injury sidelined him for nine months, and since then, Thiem has struggled to regain his peak form. In 2024, he recorded only two wins in ATP tournaments and was unable to qualify for Roland Garros, a tournament where he had once placed great hopes.
An Emotional Farewell
In his final match in Vienna, Thiem expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans: “This journey has been like a dream, and I can’t imagine a better way to end it. Thank you for always being there with me throughout the years.”
Thiem leaves tennis with a career full of memories and some regrets. He was once one of the most formidable opponents to the “BIG 3,” and although he has closed this chapter of his life, the contributions of “Prince” Thiem will forever remain a part of tennis history.
