Dominic Thiem Reflects On Past, Looks To The Future

Publication Date: 2024-08-25 22:08:00

Looking Back at a Stellar Career

In a bittersweet announcement earlier this year, Dominic Thiem revealed his decision to retire from professional tennis at the end of the season. As he approaches the conclusion of his illustrious career, Thiem took a moment to reflect on his journey and hint at what lies ahead.

Deciding on Retirement

Thiem shared, “The final decision I took in March. But towards the end of last year, the thought came to my mind for the first time. It wasn’t a good sign… I was sad but also relieved.” He spoke candidly about the challenges he faced in trying to return to the top after injuries, stating, “All those years were intense. Now I’m ready for a new chapter.”

Physical Challenges

When asked about his current experience on the court, Thiem described it as more of a discomfort than pain. He noted, “The feeling in the wrist is not right… My wrist broke twice and just never came back the way it was.” This admission sheds light on the toll that years of intense competition can take on an athlete’s body.

What Will Be Missed

As he prepares to step away from the sport, Thiem expressed what he would miss the most: “Walking out on to all the centre courts and feeling the energy of the fans. It’s an unbelievable feeling I will never get again.” He emphasized the happiness that comes from winning, highlighting those moments that make the sport worthwhile.

Future Plans

Looking to the future, Thiem is already considering how he will fill his days post-retirement. “I want to do good for the environment and other people,” he said. Football is a significant passion for him, and he dreams of owning a sustainable football club, similar to Forest Green Rovers. “I’m not a guy who will sit around and do nothing,” he added, showcasing his proactive mindset.

Passing on Knowledge

On the topic of coaching, Thiem expressed his willingness to help the next generation of players. “I don’t think I will go on tour coaching but I want to help young players, especially in Austria, get from the juniors to the professional tour,” he shared.

Reflecting on Achievements

Thiem considers his career accomplishments with a sense of pride. “When I was young I never thought that I would win a grand-slam or be number three in the world one day,” he remarked. “I should have won more grand-slams, but I’m happy with my career.”

Facing the Greats

Thiem reflected on the challenges of competing against legends like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. He spoke about the difficulty of facing Nadal at Roland Garros, calling it “probably the hardest task in sport.” Despite his success against Federer, he acknowledged the incredible talent of the Swiss player, stating, “Playing Federer was extremely difficult… He would toy with you.”

Memorable Matches and Tournaments

Thiem’s memorable match against Novak Djokovic in 2019 at the Nitto ATP Finals stands out as a highlight of his career. “I loved how I played… The atmosphere in the arena was unbelievable that night,” he recalled. He also expressed his love for the US Open, not just for winning but for the vibrant energy of the event and the city.

Challenges at Wimbledon

Discussing his struggles at Wimbledon, Thiem candidly stated, “I think grass is not my best surface… It’s very hard to change from clay to grass in such short time.” This reveals the difficulties players face when transitioning between different surfaces.

Thoughts on the Future of Tennis

Thiem shared his thoughts on the world of tennis, suggesting that while the grand slams should remain unchanged, some tournaments could benefit from match tie-breaks to shorten the duration. He also proposed a fun idea of combining padel and tennis events.

Conclusion

As Dominic Thiem prepares to bid farewell to professional tennis, his reflections on his career and aspirations for the future resonate with fans and fellow athletes alike. His journey is a testament to resilience and passion for the sport, one that will surely inspire the next generation of players.

For more details, you can find the original news article here.