Dominic Thiem's final Grand Slam appearance will be at the US Open after the Austrian was awarded a wild card for the tournament at Flushing Meadows.
Thiem announced in May that 2024 would be his final year as a professional tennis player. His last event will be on home soil at the Vienna Open, an ATP-500 tournament.
Some fans were worried Thiem would not receive a wild card for the US Open. They were surprised when the two-time French Open runner-up did not get a wild card at Roland-Garros this year.
Thiem memorably won the 2020 US Open in front of an empty stadium during the COVID-19 pandemic by coming back from two sets down against Alexander Zverev. It was not the highest quality final, but the drama was incredible.
Fortunately for Thiem and his fans, the US Open organizers have a history of awarding past champions with wild cards, and they have done the same for the Austrian. He certainly deserves a great send-off at the Grand Slam he triumphed at.
What level the 30-year-old will produce is uncertain. Although Thiem was relieved to announce his retirement, he has struggled for form and results since then. Hopefully, he can become inspired at a venue where he has so many great memories.
Thiem is not the only former champion to receive a wild card for the US Open. He is joined by another man who had an incredible run to the title, although it was a few years before Thiem's 2020 triumph.
Stan Wawrinka is set to make his 16th main draw appearance at the US Open after also being given a wild card for the event. The 39-year-old's longevity on the ATP Tour is incredible, and he seems intent on playing until he is 40.
Wawrinka lifted the US Open title in 2016, including a stunning performance to overcome Novak Djokovic in the final in four sets. It was his second victory in a Grand Slam final over Djokovic, also doing so at the 2015 French Open.
The three-time major champion remains among the most popular and respected players worldwide. He also received an Olympics wild card, demonstrating how loved he is across different events.
Six other men's singles players received wild cards: Alexandre Muller, Christopher Eubanks, Zachary Svajda, Learner Tien, Matthew Forbes, and Tristan Schoolkate.
The broader tennis world knows Eubanks for reaching last year's Wimbledon quarterfinal. He thrilled fans in London during his run and became a crowd favorite, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round.
Since that achievement, the big-serving American has struggled to consistently produce results. However, tournament organizers at Flushing Meadows have said they are looking for the courts to be medium-fast this year, which would suit his playing style.
One man who did not receive a wild card was Richard Gasquet. The 38-year-old is a former semifinalist at the US Open, and a wild card was reserved for a French player. Unfortunately for him, that place was given to Muller.
Gasquet has confirmed he will stop playing at the end of this year or the middle of 2025, meaning this will be his final US Open. Some may argue he deserved a wild card for his long career and semifinal appearance at Flushing Meadows.
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