Dominic Thiem, Former US Open Champion, Announces Retirement at Season’s End
Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem, renowned for his victory at the 2020 US Open, revealed his decision to retire from the sport after the 2024 season due to persistent wrist injury concerns. Thiem’s announcement marks the end of a career marked by both triumph and adversity, with his crowning achievement at the US Open contrasting sharply with the challenges posed by his wrist injury.
In a heartfelt video statement shared on social media, the 30-year-old expressed gratitude for his remarkable journey as a tennis player while acknowledging the toll that injuries have taken on his body and his inner resolve. Thiem cited his injured wrist as a primary factor in his decision to retire, emphasizing the importance of carefully considering both the highs and lows of his career trajectory.
Thiem’s journey to this decision has been characterized by a period of reflection, with the former world number three revealing that he had contemplated retiring for an extended period. Despite the bittersweet nature of his decision, Thiem expressed contentment and excitement for the future, signaling a positive outlook as he transitions into the next chapter of his life.
Once hailed as a top-ranked player in the world, Thiem’s career trajectory took a significant downturn following his wrist injury, which sidelined him for nine months and saw his ranking plummet to 352nd in June 2022. Despite his efforts to stage a comeback, Thiem has struggled to regain his previous form, currently holding a ranking of 117th.
Throughout his illustrious career, Thiem amassed an impressive collection of titles, including his memorable victory at the US Open in 2020. Additionally, he reached the finals of prestigious tournaments such as the French Open and the Australian Open, showcasing his prowess on the grand slam stage. Thiem’s accomplishments also extended to the ATP Finals in London, where he competed against the world’s top players in pursuit of championship glory.
Thiem’s retirement announcement prompted an outpouring of support and admiration from fellow tennis professionals, with Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic commending Thiem’s character and resilience in the face of adversity. Djokovic’s words underscored the challenges that athletes like Thiem face when navigating the complexities of injury recovery and career longevity.
As Thiem prepares to bid farewell to professional tennis, his legacy as a dedicated competitor and a role model for perseverance will endure. While his retirement marks the end of an era in tennis, it also signals the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities and opportunities for Thiem as he embarks on the next stage of his journey.