Alexander Zverev says he has three reasons to thank Dominic Thiem after he retires from tennis

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Dominic Thiem has finally called time on his illustrious career after being knocked out of the Vienna Open.

Thiem thanked fans on court after his defeat to Luciano Darderi, with the Austrian having lost to the Italian in straight sets.

The home favourite has been struggling with a wrist injury, and has now decided to hang up his racket for good.

Thiem leaves the sport with a superb honours list, including the 2020 US Open title, his only Grand Slam success.

That victory at Flushing Meadows came against Alexander Zverev, with the Austrian beating the German in a five-set thriller.

Alexander Zverev sends message to Dominic Thiem after his retirement

Thiem played against Zverev as part of his farewell to tennis in Vienna, with the duo sharing a close friendship on and off the court.

And the latter has now paid tribute to the former following his last ever match, with Zverev writing on Instagram: “Everyone’s tennis career will unfortunately come to an end sooner or later. But the people you meet and friendships you built will hopefully last a lifetime…

READ MORE: Alexander Zverev gives two reasons why he lost all his form this season after ‘incredible’ start to the year

“Thank you Dominic for the toughest battles I’ve ever had on court. Thank you for the most unforgettable moments we were able to share outside the court.

“Thank you for showing that a true friendship is possible even while being one of the biggest rivals. This isn’t a goodbye. This is a see you soon my friend.”

Alexander Zverev and tennis will miss Dominic Thiem

Tennis can, of course, often be a lonely sport, with the star often on their own on the court with plenty of eyes looking on.

But that means friendships can blossom between players given how much they can empathise with one another, and indeed how much time they spend together at events.

And that is undoubtedly what has happened between Zverev and Thiem, with the former certain to miss the latter greatly in the coming months and years.

READ MORE: Jannik Sinner says what Dominic Thiem always did to him despite them never playing each other

He achieved superb success over the years, with the high point arriving in that thrilling meeting with Zverev.

The two went head-to-head at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with second seed Thiem producing a phenomenal comeback to emerge victorious 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(8-6).