Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem was farewelled in his home tournament in Vienna after playing his final professional match. The 31-year-old announced his intent to retire in May due to a recurring wrist injury sustained back in June 2021, failing to reach the same heights he achieved.
Those heights included a maiden Grand Slam title in New York four years ago when Thiem rallied back from two sets down, while also finishing runner-up twice at Roland Garros and once at the Australian Open. Thiem, a former world No.3, claimed 16 combined victories against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic throughout his career. Sadly, he ended his final tournament with a first-round loss against Italy's Luciano Darderi in straight sets before tributes flowed for the Austrian.
"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," Thiem said on-court after the match.
"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. I couldn’t have imagined it any better. Thank you!"
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