Earlier this week, we were dealt with the devastating rumour that Dominic Thiem was thinking of calling time on his career.
The Austrian, who is just 30 years old, has enjoyed a fine career laden with title victories and historic matches.
However, in recent years, an unrelenting bout of misfortune resulting in a slew of injuries has curtailed any promise he once had.
Now, just less than four years since winning his first Grand Slam at the US Open, he is contemplating retirement.
Novak Djokovic, who has done so well to manage his injuries throughout his career, sought to offer his verdict on Thiem’s woes.
Novak Djokovic on Dominic Thiem
Speaking ahead of his Rome Masters opener tomorrow, the Serbian tennis superstar was frank when assessing his preparation for this latest tournament.
Expected to be far fresher than a cast of players who seem to be dropping like flies, he was actually quizzed about one player who has been hit with injuries harder than anyone.
He offered the following verdict on the unfortunate Thiem, reacting to the rumours around his potential retirement: ‘First of all, a great guy, very good person, someone that has very good manners, good values, family man, somebody that always took time to say hello, always showed respect on the court, off the court.
‘I really like Dominic. I think he’s a great example of somebody who never gives up after the difficult time he had and still has with injuries, trying to work his way back to the level where he was when he was winning Grand Slams and being in top of the world (rankings).
‘Of course, we all understand how difficult it is to come back. I mean, I was having an injury myself back in 2018, a major injury of the elbow, trying to work my way back.
‘I know that kind of a feeling. Fortunately for me, I didn’t stay in that kind of feeling for too long. I managed come back and find the desired level maybe six or seven months after that.
‘For him, it’s been a struggle to build rankings and find the level of tennis for quite a few years. I definitely empathise with him and I wish him all the best.’
Novak Djokovic has avoided injuries well in 2024
Whilst others have crumbled around him in 2024, Djokovic, at 36 years old, is inexplicably still one of the healthiest players left on tour.
And admittedly, his heavily reduced schedule has helped with that, but it marks an intelligent plan which should help him peak in the biggest moments.
And there are none more so than a Grand Slam, with the latest kickstarting later this month.
Despite only featuring in three tournaments this year, and thus failing to win a title, Roland Garros might mark a golden opportunity to change that given Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, his three biggest competitors, are all nursing recent injuries.
So, this competition management which has been scrutinised by some, might now be the very reason why he waltzes to another Grand Slam title.
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