Earlier this year, Dominic Thiem announced that he would retire at the end of the season. As his career draws to a close, he looked back on his successful journey and hinted at what may lie ahead.
When did you decide to retire?
“I made the final decision in March. But late last year, a thought crossed my mind for the first time. It was not a good sign. I didn’t want to believe it. But it got tough and I had to face it. I was sad but also relieved. All those years were intense. Not being able to get back on top was a challenge. Now I am ready for a new chapter.”
How painful is it to play tennis now?
“No pain, just more discomfort. The feeling in the wrist is not good. I practiced 15 years at most. I broke my wrist twice and it never went back to the way it was.”
What do you miss most about being in your headlines?
“I will miss going out to all the center courts and feeling the energy of the fans. It is an unbelievable feeling that I will never experience again. What the thrill of winning is all about. Two or three hours after that is good.”
How will you fill your days in retirement?
“I’m already thinking about what to do next. I’m not a guy who will sit around and do nothing. I want to do good for the environment and other people. Football is a big love for me. I never had time to play and watch because of my tennis. My dream is to have a sustainable team because that is the future. It’s like Forest Green Rovers.”
Would you like to train on tour?
“If you’ve been in the world of surfing for as long as I have, it’s almost mandatory to pass on my experience. I don’t think I will go to coach but I want to help young players, especially from Austria, to go from young players to the professional tour.”
When you look back at your job, are you happy with what you won?
“Yes. When I was young, I never thought that I would win a grand-slam or be number three in the world one day. My dream was to travel. There I was at my peak 2015-2021I was playing really well. I should have won more grand-slams. But I’m happy with my job.”
Would you not have won one or two more grand-slams if the Big Three had not played in your era?
“I don’t know. It’s hard to say. When the Big Three were at the top, people said that once they were gone, it would be easier to win big titles. But then Alcaraz and Sinner came and it’s as hard as ever.”
How challenging is it to face Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros?
“It’s probably the hardest job in sports. The record he has there – 14 topics, 106 wins and just four losses – amazing. I am very happy that I played him there four times. It hurts too. Last but not least 2019 it hurts so much as I thought I could win. I was playing really well. That match showed me that when Nadal is close to his peak, he will not be able to beat him there.”
You will leave the tour with 5-2 record win over Roger Federer. How does that feel?
“It’s a great feeling but I have to be honest and say that in three of those games, he wasn’t at his best or he was injured. Playing Federer was very difficult as I felt that he can do anything he wants to you. He will play with you.”
What was the best game you played in your career?
“What comes to mind is inside 2019 against Novak Djokovic in the Nitto group stage ATP the final. I succeeded 7-6 in the third set and I loved the way I played. The atmosphere in the stadium was unbelievable that night.”
What was your favorite tournament and why?
“I In the US Open it. Not because I won there, but the energy of the crowd, the event and the city is brilliant. Sometimes I was happy to leave after three weeks because I was so tired. But it was always a crazy, fun time.”
Why do you think you struggled to go deep at Wimbledon?
“I think grass is not my best place. But I couldn’t fully recover after the French Open and make a change. It is very difficult to change clay to grass in such a short time. The Big Three do that better than anyone else. That’s why they won so many titles.”
Is there anything you would change about the world of tennis?
“I like to watch tennis. The grand-slams should stay the same. However, I think you can shorten some tournaments with game breaks. You can also combine a padel and tennis event. That would be fun. But tennis is going well. “
