Dominic Thiem bid farewell to his Grand Slam career with a first-round loss to Ben Shelton at the US Open. This was a significant moment for Thiem, as he played before a full audience on the same court where he clinched his lone Grand Slam title. While Thiem’s victory in 2020 was celebrated in an empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he expressed his gratitude to the fans for their support over the years.
Thiem, who is set to turn 31, decided to end his career due to ongoing wrist injuries. Despite receiving a wild card entry into the tournament, Thiem’s loss to Shelton marked only his 10th match of the season. His triumph over Alexander Zverev in the 2020 final showcased his resilience, as he became the first man to win the US Open after dropping the first two sets since 1949. With four Grand Slam finals under his belt, Thiem’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
In June 2021, Thiem suffered a wrist injury that impacted his game significantly. His forehand, a weapon that had helped him defeat the likes of Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal, never regained its former strength. The loss of power on his forehand side made it challenging for Thiem to compete at the highest level, especially against players like Shelton, whose explosive left-handed serve proved to be a tough challenge for the Austrian.
As Shelton acknowledged Thiem’s achievements and encouraged the crowd to applaud the departing star, it was evident that Thiem’s legacy in tennis was secure. Despite the loss, Thiem was honored with a collage of photos capturing his moments at the US Open. Looking ahead, Thiem plans to participate in two more events before retiring at the ATP’s stop in Vienna. While he aims to stay involved in tennis through his academy in Austria, Thiem acknowledges that the thrill of winning a high-stakes match is an irreplaceable feeling that transcends beyond the confines of the tennis court.
Throughout his career, Thiem’s tenacity and fighting spirit endeared him to fans worldwide. His rivalry with the Big Three and his memorable victories on the Grand Slam stage will be etched in tennis history. As he embarks on a new chapter post-retirement, Thiem’s impact on the sport will continue to inspire future generations of tennis players.
Dominic Thiem’s farewell marks the end of an era in tennis. Despite the challenges and setbacks he faced, Thiem’s dedication and passion for the sport never wavered. As he transitions into retirement, the tennis world will fondly remember the Austrian star for his contributions to the game and the indelible mark he left on the sport.
Leave a Reply