Dominic Thiem has officially retired from professional tennis after losing in the first round of the Vienna Open 2024 to Italy’s Luciano Darderi. The match took place on October 22, where Darderi won with scores of 7-6 (6) and 6-2 in just 91 minutes. This was a sad moment for the 31-year-old Austrian, who has been an important player in tennis.
Thiem used to be ranked World No. 1 and became famous in 2020 when he won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open. This win came after years of hard work and showed he was one of the best players in the sport. However, his career had many challenges, especially a serious wrist injury that made it hard for him to play well in later seasons. Even though he tried to come back to his best form, he struggled to find his rhythm again, leading to his retirement announcement at the end of this season.
Dominic Thiem: A Heartfelt Goodbye
Playing in his hometown, Thiem received a warm farewell from fans at the Vienna Stadthalle Arena. Many people came to watch, and the atmosphere was filled with emotion as they celebrated his achievements in tennis.
“I have had so many wonderful goodbyes in recent months, but today I want to say thank you for all the amazing years,” Thiem said after the match. “I am just a part of this journey. This experience has been a dream, and I want this day to be yours. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. Thank you!”
Before the match, Thiem was leading 4-2 against Darderi, showing his talent. However, the young Italian player made great shots that changed the game. The first set was tough, with Thiem fighting hard, but Darderi played much better in the second set, showing he is a strong player.
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Thiem’s retirement marks the end of an era not just for him but for tennis fans around the world. After his final match, tennis stars like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal congratulated him and shared thoughts about his great career. “An amazing career comes to an end,” Federer wrote on Instagram, recognizing Thiem’s impact on the sport. Nadal simply said, “Danke Domi,” honoring Thiem’s contributions. Nadal has also announced that he will retire after his next Davis Cup match against the Netherlands, adding more emotion to the sport.
For Darderi, he will play against Jack Draper in the next round after Draper won against Kei Nishikori with scores of 7-6 (5) and 7-5 in the first round. Darderi’s performance against Thiem shows he is rising in the tennis world and is moving forward in the tournament.
Thiem’s legacy in tennis is strong, with a Grand Slam title, many ATP titles, and exciting matches against the best players. His dedication and sportsmanship have inspired many young tennis players. As fans say goodbye to this remarkable athlete, they will remember his powerful playing style, competitive spirit, and love for the sport.
