Dominic Thiem will retire from professional tennis after this year, announcing that it brought him great peace after years of struggle.
The Austrian player likely never left the mark many thought he would when he was breaking out as a youngster, but he left a big enough mark on the tennis world. He certainly left a bigger mark on tennis than he ever thought he would because he won a Grand Slam in 2020.
He played in several more finals, and he won a set against Rafael Nadal in one of the Roland Garros finals he played. Those are some amazing achievements, but there will always be what-ifs for Thiem.
He was in his best years when he suffered a wrist injury that basically ended his career. Ever since coming back from the injury, he was never able to find his best tennis again.
He struggled for several years before announcing that he would retire. Those were some stressful years, and that's why announcing his retirement brought a lot of peace into his life.
"I’ve had an amazing career, I’ve always put a lot of passion into it and I’ve given my all, but now that I’ve announced my retirement, I’m very happy, because it’s relieved a lot of stress. I can’t wait to play my last tournaments, but also to do everything that comes afterwards. I’m trying to enjoy my last months as much as possible."
Thiem is back in Mallorca this week, the place where the end started. The Austrian injured his wrist in the Spanish city during a match against Adrian Mannarino, and coming back was like a full circle. As somebody who is leaving tennis, Thiem had a lot of time to reflect.
"It’s a very emotional year, I’d say, because Diego [Schwartzman] and I have announced our retirement, Rafa [Nadal] and Andy [Murray] are coming to the end and it’s very emotional."
"Now there are two guys who have been No. 1, Sinner and Alcaraz, who are incredible and play great tennis. I love watching them and probably all the fans like watching them, so tennis is in very good hands."
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