Dominic Thiem, once considered one of the brightest stars on the ATP Tour and a rare player capable of challenging the Big 3, has announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2024 season. Injuries have cut short what was shaping up to be an extraordinary career, but the Austrian leaves behind a legacy of grit, determination, and triumphs in an era dominated by Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer.
The tennis world took a moment to honor Thiem’s accomplishments at the Lotterien Sporthilfe Gala on October 3, 2024. Presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by his close friend, Austrian soccer captain and Real Madrid star David Alaba, Thiem received a standing ovation for his contributions to the sport. The ceremony was marked by pre-recorded messages from Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer, who all paid tribute to the player who, at his peak, gave them some of their toughest battles on the court.
Thiem’s career is marked by his remarkable head-to-head performances against tennis’s greatest legends. He managed to secure at least five wins each against Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer—an astonishing feat in the Big 3 era. His rivalry with Nadal, in particular, stands out. The two faced each other 16 times, with Thiem emerging victorious on six occasions. Two of their most memorable encounters were the French Open finals in 2018 and 2019, where Thiem ultimately fell short but showcased his tremendous talent and fighting spirit against the undisputed king of clay.
Against Djokovic, Thiem also made his mark, boasting a 5-7 record in their 12 matches. Their rivalry produced some unforgettable moments, including their last encounter at the 2020 ATP Finals. In a thrilling semifinal match that lasted three intense sets, Thiem edged out Djokovic 7-5, 6-7(10), 7-6(5), showing once again that he could go toe-to-toe with the best in the world.
Novak Djokovic, in his tribute, reflected on those battles and praised Thiem’s resilience. “Thank you, Dominic, for your contributions to tennis,” Djokovic said. “I’m glad you’re able to finish your career on your terms, on home soil, surrounded by family and friends.” Indeed, Thiem’s farewell will take place at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna later this October, where he will play his final matches in front of his home crowd.
Roger Federer, who retired in 2022, sent a heartfelt message in German, highlighting the respect and admiration he has for Thiem. The two met numerous times on the court, including their epic final at the 2019 Indian Wells Masters, where Thiem triumphed to capture his first and only Masters 1000 title. Federer, always the class act, acknowledged the Austrian’s fighting spirit and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Despite being sidelined by injuries for much of the latter part of his career, Thiem’s legacy remains untarnished. He won a total of 17 tour-level titles, with the pinnacle of his career being the 2020 US Open, where he captured his first and only Grand Slam. In an unforgettable final, Thiem staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Alexander Zverev, earning his place in history as one of the few players outside the Big 3 to win a major title in the past two decades.
Thiem’s physicality and powerful baseline game made him a force to be reckoned with, especially on clay and hard courts. His resilience and ability to fight back from adversity were qualities that endeared him to fans and earned the respect of his peers. Nadal, in his video message, praised Thiem’s work ethic and intensity, saying, “Dominic always brought everything he had to the court. He’s one of the toughest competitors I’ve faced, and I’m sure he’ll bring that same determination to whatever he does next.”
The announcement of Thiem’s retirement may have come as a disappointment to tennis fans, especially those who saw him as one of the few capable of regularly challenging the Big 3 during their reign. Injuries, including a debilitating wrist injury that plagued him for years, robbed Thiem of his prime years and derailed his momentum. However, his perseverance in returning to the sport, despite multiple setbacks, is a testament to his love for tennis and his desire to compete at the highest level for as long as possible.
As Thiem prepares for his final tournament in Vienna, the tennis world reflects on what could have been for the Austrian. In an era where Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic set nearly impossible standards, Thiem’s ability to break through and register wins against each of them is a remarkable achievement. His career, though cut short by injury, will be remembered for his relentless drive, his remarkable victories, and the respect he earned from the best players in the world.
With his retirement imminent, Dominic Thiem leaves behind a legacy that transcends mere numbers. He may not have the trophy cabinet of Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic, but he has something just as valuable—the respect of his peers, the admiration of his fans, and the knowledge that he was one of the few who could truly challenge the greatest of all time.
As Djokovic said, Thiem is fortunate to bring his career to a close on his own terms, surrounded by those who matter most. And for tennis fans, his final matches in Vienna will be a celebration of a career that, despite its challenges, gave the sport some of its most memorable moments in recent years.