Dominic Thiem will say goodbye to professional tennis on home soil at the Vienna Open, but Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal may not attend his farewell party.
The Austrian was one of the most feared players in the world during his prime. His powerful groundstrokes off both wings and superb athleticism meant he could compete with any player at his best.
Thiem's best moment was at the 2020 US Open. He recovered from two sets behind to defeat Alexander Zverev in the final. That match was played with no fans inside the stadium, which added to the tension during the fifth set.
Before that triumph, he had reached three Grand Slam finals, including two at the French Open. After the 2020 US Open, Thiem seemed to have a great opportunity to challenge for further major titles.
Unfortunately, a wrist injury sustained in 2021 changed the entire trajectory of his career. He never fully recovered from that physical problem, and he has not progressed past the second round of any Grand Slam since.
Thiem made his Grand Slam farewell at the 2024 US Open. He never came close to competing in a comprehensive defeat to Ben Shelton but still got a deserved ovation from the crowd after the match.
The 31-year-old hopes to reach a higher level and receive an easier draw at the Vienna Open. He won his home tournament in 2019 by overcoming Diego Schwartzman despite losing the opening set.
Thiem spoke to Austrian portal Huete ahead of his final tournament as a professional tennis player. The 17-time ATP title winner revealed that Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal are invited to his farewell party, but he has not received any response from them.
"I invited Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic to my farewell party. Nobody has contacted me yet."
It would be a shame if those greats of the game did not attend Thiem's farewell party, especially since the Austrian had so many great battles against all three players when he was at his peak.
Thiem had a 5-2 head-to-head against Federer, which is one of the most impressive records any player has managed against the Swiss maestro, including a three-set victory in the Indian Wells Open final.
Nadal defeated Thiem in two French Open finals, but lost to the 2020 US Open winner six times. Djokovic's most memorable battle with Thiem was his incredible five-set 2021 Australian Open final win against the Austrian.
Thiem also recounted watching his first tennis match at the Vienna Open as a child, meaning he is grateful to come full circle and finish his career at the tournament in front of home support.
"I watched the exhibition doubles and later sat in the hall from the first to the last match. It was always clear that I would stop here. I am happy that things are now coming full circle. There will also be a sense of relief."
Thiem has outlined some of his retirement plans, but he deserves to end his career in a fitting manner with strong performances on the court in Vienna.
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