Dominic Thiem, born in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, on September 3, 1993, has become one of the emblematic figures of world tennis. Professional since 2011, he has enriched the circuit with his unique style of play, combining power and finesse. After an impressive career, he made the decision to retire, marking the end of an era for one of Austria’s most talented players. His formidable record is punctuated by prestigious titles, including a Grand Slam, a Masters 1000, and many other successes on the ATP circuit.
The promising beginnings of a young prodigy
Dominic Thiem began his professional career in 2011 and quickly made a name for himself on the circuit. With a size 1m85 tall and right-handed, he stood out for his one-handed backhand, a style of play that made him particularly dangerous on hard and clay courts.
The first competitions
Thiem began to attract attention while participating in junior tournaments, winning several titles before making the jump to the ATP Tour. In 2012, he won his first Challenger title in Belgrade, a victory that would symbolize the blossoming of a promising talent.
Encouraging results
As the years passed, Thiem continued to climb the ranks of professional tennis. He became known for his intense matches and his ability to compete with the best. In 2016, he reached the quarter-finals of Roland Garros, signifying his rise to the international stage.
An impressive track record
Dominic Thiem’s career is punctuated by impressive feats. With 17 titles to his credit, including a prestigious US Open in 2020, he was able to establish himself as one of the best players of his generation. His exceptional career is marked by victories against some of the most successful players in the history of tennis.
The coronation at the US Open 2020
In the final against Alexander Zverev, Thiem achieved a memorable feat by coming back two sets from zero to finally win 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (6). The victory allowed him to become the first man born after 1990 to win a Grand Slam title, ending a streak of more than 63 consecutive victories accumulated by players born in the 1980s.
Other titles
Besides his success at the US Open, Thiem also won the Masters 1000 at Indian Wells in 2019, beating Roger Federer in the final. Additionally, his ATP 500 victories in Barcelona, Beijing, and Vienna show how feared he was on the tour. In all, he reached 12 Grand Slam finals and was able to climb several times among the 10 best players in the world.
The challenges of his career
Despite his impressive track record, Dominic Thiem’s path has not been without obstacles. Injuries have punctuated his career and tested his resilience.
Physical challenges
One of the biggest challenges was his wrist injury in 2021, which occurred during a tournament in Mallorca. This injury forced him to put his career on hold for nine months, causing him to fall in the ATP rankings. Until then, he was ranked among the top five players in the world.
A difficult return
Coming back to competition after serious injury is always a challenge. Dominic has made considerable efforts to regain his former level, reaching an ATP final in 2022. Although he has shown signs of his old form, the consistency has not been there. In 2023, his performances were uneven, with a record of 19 wins and 24 losses.
Thiem’s retirement and legacy
Dominic Thiem announced his retirement at the end of the 2024 season, after enjoying unforgettable moments on the tour. His career, although influenced by injuries, remains a source of inspiration for young players.
A role model for the future generation
Thiem was not only a great player, but also a model of determination and perseverance. The many young talents currently playing on the tour have taken inspiration from his journey. His ability to overcome obstacles and fight for his dreams makes him an example to follow.
Peer Tributes
At his last tournament in Vienna, tributes from his peers and tennis legends such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal highlighted Thiem’s unique place in tennis history. Fans and experts agree that he has left an indelible mark on the sport.
A revolutionary journey
Dominic Thiem has made tennis history with his unique style of play, alternating power and precision. In addition, his one-handed backhand has always been a distinguishing factor on the tour, reminiscent of the great champions of the past.
The return of the one-handed backhand
In a world increasingly dominated by power shots, Thiem has proven that a return to fundamentals, such as the one-handed backhand, can still be effective. His game has often been described as having exceptional depth, capable of putting his opponents under pressure on every point.
The Impact on Modern Tennis
Dominic’s presence on the court has paved the way for other players with similar playing styles. Modern tennis has seen a diversification of styles, and Thiem is part of this transition, showing that technique can trump brute force alone.
The Future of Tennis Without Thiem
With Dominic Thiem’s retirement, the tennis world faces a new era. However, his legacy will live on, and emerging players will continue to draw inspiration from his exceptional journey.
The Next Generation
Young players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who are emerging in the wake of Thiem’s legend, demonstrate the continued evolution of the sport. Thiem has played his part as a trailblazer for the next generation, showing them that breaking records is possible.
An indelible impact
As the tournaments continue, Thiem’s absence will certainly be felt. His unique style, competitive mentality and passion for the game are already missed by his fans and colleagues. Tennis will never be the same without him on the tour.
