Dominic Thiem is set to retire from tennis after this week’s Vienna Open.
Thiem announced his retirement from tennis earlier this year, amid various injury struggles over the past few years.
The 31-year-old won the US Open in 2020 and was ranked as high as third in the world.
The Austrian played in a further three Grand Slam finals, where he lost twice to Rafael Nadal at the French Open in 2018 and 2019, and once to Novak Djokovic at the 2020 Australian Open.
A wrist injury in 2021 derailed Dominic Thiem’s career and he has struggled for form ever since.
His only ATP main draw win in 2024 came back in April at the Estoril Open.
As he approaches the end of his career, Dominic Thiem reflected on what makes tennis so special.
Dominic Thiem says why tennis is so great amid ATP rule controversy
Speaking to Tennis Channel ahead of this week’s Vienna Open, Dominic Thiem was asked what makes tennis the best sport in the world.
The Austrian replied with a surprisingly topical answer.
“Because, you start from a very early age, learning to win and to lose alone, solving problems all by yourself,” he said.
“You get very little help from your team during the match, but mostly you have to solve the problems alone.”
Thiem believes that’s what makes the wins all the more special.
“The best thing ever is when you win a close match, or win a big title, knowing that the main reason for that was you,” he said.
“That’s just an unbelievable feeling.”
Thiem’s comments couldn’t have come at a better time with the recent announcement of on-court coaching being approved by the ATP, causing a stir in the tennis world.
A number of fans and players have displayed their displeasure at the move as they believe that it takes away from what makes the sport so special.
Whilst Thiem was not addressing the rule change directly, his thoughts certainly imply that he isn’t the biggest fan of the move either.
Can Dominic Thiem win one last time at the Vienna Open?
With his time as a tennis player coming to an end many fans are looking back at their favourite memories of Dominic Thiem’s illustrious career.
However, there is still one more chance for the 31-year-old to show what he is made of as a professional.
Playing at his home tournament in Vienna, Thiem will have the chance to replicate his victory at the same event in 2019.
The Austrian put up a valiant effort against fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas at the event last year, eventually losing in straight sets in the first round, but will be hoping to do better in his final ATP appearance.
Dominic Thiem will begin his Vienna Open campaign against Luciano Darderi on Tuesday.
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