By Moselaunch 
Dominic Thiem, the former US Open champion, made the tough decision to retire at 31, announcing that the Vienna Open would mark his final appearance on the court. As he reflects on his remarkable career, Thiem highlights the cherished memories, particularly his impressive record against tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.
Recently, Thiem faced Italy’s Luciano Darderi in a straight-set defeat, losing 7-6 (8-6), 6-2, to the world number 42. This match concluded his journey, which had seen a significant dip after a wrist injury sidelined him for ten months, causing his ranking to plummet. With the struggles to regain his form and the top levels of the sport, Thiem made the announcement regarding his retirement earlier this year.
Despite the hardships, Thiem chose to focus on his numerous accomplishments in tennis. Over the years, he secured 17 ATP titles and reached the finals of major tournaments, including the French Open in 2018 and 2019 and the Australian Open in 2020. His record against the “Big Three” is particularly noteworthy, boasting five victories over Federer, six against Nadal, and five over Djokovic. In an era dominated by these titans, such achievements underscore his resilience and talent.
In a candid conversation on the podcast “A New Way of Being,” Thiem elaborated on the mental fortitude required to challenge the likes of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. He explained, “For a period of two to three years, I believed that I truly had a chance to win whenever I faced them. This confidence was empowering.” He acknowledged that if he could compete with the “Big Three,” he could potentially conquer anyone on the court.
Thiem’s insights reveal that, despite recognizing their superior baseline, he managed to harness a competitive spirit that allowed him to thrive in high-pressure situations. He noted the importance of maintaining that level of performance, saying, “It was challenging to sustain, but those years were still very fulfilling.” His mindset extended beyond the sport, connecting tennis to life’s challenges, emphasizing resilience in overcoming difficulties.
Dominic Thiem’s journey reflects not only the highs of victory but also the lows of injury and retirement. As he hangs up his racket, his legacy remains strong, marked by memorable encounters with some of tennis’ greatest players. Fans will surely miss the fierce competitor who proved that belief and determination could lead to remarkable achievements.