Dominic Thiem was given a special retirement ceremony on Sunday at the 2024 Vienna Open, and Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were among the players who spoke touchingly about the Austrian.
Thiem announced in May that 2024 would be his final year as a professional tennis player. Retiring on home soil in Vienna is a fitting way to mark the end of his superb career.
In his prime, Thiem possessed one of the best games to watch on the ATP Tour. His powerful groundstrokes, one-handed backhand, and superb athleticism made him a force to be reckoned with.
The 31-year-old's greatest moment was winning the 2020 US Open by recovering from two sets down in the final against Alexander Zverev. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there were no fans inside the stadium.
Thiem also defeated Federer in the 2019 Indian Wells Open final, reached three other Grand Slam finals, and was the runner-up at the ATP Finals on two occasions.
Unfortunately, Thiem was never the same player after injuring his right wrist during a match at the Mallorca Open against Adrian Mannarino in 2021. He struggled after returning before eventually announcing his retirement.
The Austrian will play Luciano Darderi in the opening round of his final tournament at the Vienna Open on Tuesday, but the former US Open champion also had Sunday at the event dedicated to him.
Thiem played an exhibition set against Zverev. Despite beating the German in the 2020 US Open final, he and Zverev have a great relationship, and the world No. 3 said Thiem retiring meant he was losing a friend.
“First and foremost, I'm losing a friend on the Tour, but of course we also played the greatest matches together. But it's goodbye, not goodbye. I hope he gets bored in a year or two and comes back to the Tour again.”
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were not at the event, but they recorded messages that were played on Sunday. Federer praised Thiem's behavior off the court, saying he valued their friendship.
"You were always a super guy, also off the court. Always fair. Your friendship was important on the Tour. We always got on well, and it was great for me. All the best with the future, and huge congratulations on your unbelievable career, Dominic. I am sure we will see each other soon, but for now, have a great evening."
Djokovic, who paid an emotional tribute to Rafael Nadal at the Six Kings Slam, thanked Thiem for everything he had given to tennis and is glad he has the opportunity to retire on home soil.
“Thank you very much for all that you have given to all of us, but particularly tennis. I’m glad that you have the opportunity to say goodbye in Vienna. One last dance. I wish you a great tournament, with all your family members present, and celebrate it, because you deserve it my friend. All the best.”
Thiem was thrilled with the farewell event. On social media afterward, he thanked those who joined him to make it a special occasion.
"What a night! I would like to sincerely thank everyone who joined me for my farewell last night! It means the world to me that you all came to share this special moment with me."
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