Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic perhaps weren’t current throughout Dominic Thiem’s farewell night time in Vienna however they made positive to ship a sort tribute message to the retiring Austrian.
Because the 31-year-old prepares to play the final match of his profession, the Vienna organizers hosted a particular night time for the previous world No. 3. On Sunday, the 2020 US Open champion performed a one-set exhibition match versus Alexander Zverev, with a number of large tennis names within the crowd for the event together with Boris Becker, Tommy Haas, Matteo Berrettini, and so on.
At one level, a video message from as soon as two of his largest rivals was performed. Addressing Thiem’s retirement, Federer highlighted that he revered him each as a participant and individual and wished him all one of the best.
“You have been at all times a brilliant man, additionally off the court docket. All the time honest. Your friendship was necessary on the Tour. We at all times obtained on effectively, and it was nice for me. All one of the best with the longer term, and big congratulations in your unbelievable profession, Dominic. I’m positive we’ll see one another quickly, however for now, have a fantastic night,” the Swiss tennis icon, who retired two years in the past, stated in his tribute message.
Djokovic, who defeated Thiem in that thriller five-set 2020 Australian Open last, acknowledged the 31-year-old’s affect and success earlier than including he hopes to see him do effectively in Vienna.
“Thanks very a lot for all that you’ve got given to all of us, however notably tennis. I’m glad that you’ve got the chance to say goodbye in Vienna. One final dance. I want you a fantastic match, with all your loved ones members current, and rejoice it, since you deserve it my buddy. All one of the best,” the Serb stated in his tribute message.
After impressively beating Federer in two of their first three conferences, Thiem misplaced their fourth conflict however received their final three matches to complete with a 5-2 head-to-head towards the previous 20-time Grand Slam champion. Additionally, he beat the Swiss for his first Masters title within the 2019 Indian Wells last.
In terms of his matches versus Djokovic, the Austrian ended on the dropping aspect in every of their first 5 conferences. However then, he received 5 of their seven matches between mid-2017 to 2020.
Thiem’s message after his farewell night time and tributes from Federer and Djokovic
In early Might, rumors began swirling round that the four-time Grand Slam finalist was informing his sponsors about his determination to retire. Shortly after, the Austrian confirmed it was true and that he determined to retire in entrance of his residence followers in Vienna. And definitely, he would not remorse that call.
“What an evening! I wish to sincerely thank everybody who joined me for my farewell final night time! It means the world to me that you simply all got here to share this particular second with me. The exhibition match with Alexander Zverev, the ONE SHOT CUP, the superb efficiency by The Clairvoyants – and naturally the farewell itself – all meant a lot to me! An enormous thanks to all of you for making this an unforgettable night!” Thiem wrote on X on Monday.
The exhibition match with Alexander Zverev, the ONE SHOT CUP, the superb efficiency by The Clairvoyants – and naturally the farewell itself – all meant a lot to me!
An enormous thanks to all of you for making this an unforgettable night!
— Dominic Thiem (@domithiem) October 21, 2024
Why is Thiem retiring and what are his plans?
Since sustaining a wrist harm in 2021 June, the previous world No. 3 simply hasn’t been the identical participant though he tried every little thing and battled for years to no less than come near his previous sport. After this season additionally obtained off to a really tough begin, he got here to phrases that it was time to stroll away from professional tennis.
When requested to disclose his retirement plans, Thiem shared that for now he would not intend to be a coach on the ATP Tour. Nonetheless, the 31-year-old will deal with his academy and work with children.
“There’s additionally our tennis academy. I feel I can have some weeks off to get a little bit little bit of distance from tennis. However then I actually need to assist younger gamers to develop and to make the step from a junior to knowledgeable participant. I need to give again to tennis, as tennis gave me a lot. Sooner or later I don’t know however proper now, I don’t need to or I’m not planning to return again as a touring coach,” Thiem defined.
“I’m a bit uninterested in touring, particularly distant. And there are means higher tennis coaches than me. However for positive, I had a whole lot of experiences which may be very useful for younger gamers. Particularly, I’d say within the age from 15 to twenty or 21, when there’s rather a lot happening and you need to make that step.”
On Tuesday, Thiem performs towards Luca Darderi within the Vienna first spherical.