Thiem confesses what he will miss the most after his retirement

Mónica Barberán Munera | 26 Aug 2024 | 22.12

Dominic Thiem at the US Open 2024. Photo: Getty.

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Dominic Thiem hung up his racket, for now, in Grand Slams. The Austrian, who will retire after the ATP in Vienna, concluded his journey at the US Open after receiving a wildcard entry where he was crowned in 2020. Following a defeat against Ben Shelton, the former world number 3 bid a dignified farewell to the American tournament, the final major of his career. Injuries forced Thiem to make a tough decision, but he is satisfied with his career for all the great moments it has provided him. Thus, during a press conference, Dominic spoke about his time in New York, what he will miss the most when his career ends, and what he plans to do after stepping away from the game for good.

- Reactions from the last match at a Slam

"In the end, I was able to focus well on the match, which was my goal. Everything felt a bit different. I tried to enjoy and absorb every moment in this stadium. It's been amazing. I could concentrate, but obviously, I no longer have the level required to compete against players like Ben. I knew that beforehand, so I tried to enjoy it as much as possible."

- How have you approached the end of your career?

"I am happy. I have struggled a lot in recent years, especially since I couldn't return to my previous level. But once I made the decision in March, I was content with it. I was also able to prepare for this next chapter that will come soon. I have always enjoyed playing on the circuit a lot and have been very patient with it, but I have also always enjoyed as much normal life at home as possible. That's why I have always looked forward to this moment, to a normal life. That's why it's not so hard for me, and that's why I'm also happy with my decision."

- Tournaments ahead and what you will miss the most

"There are still two more events, the UTS in Frankfurt and then, of course, in Vienna. I think what I will miss the most is that feeling after winning a good match; nothing compares to it. Outside of tennis, there is no such feeling; it's a great euphoria. It's like being a bit high. I know I probably won't experience that feeling again, so that's what I will miss the most."

- A combination of injuries and mindset

"They always go hand in hand, but I feel that when I was mentally better again, the injury came. The feeling, especially with my right hand, was never the same as before. Because of that, I have also suffered mentally a lot because it's very hard to accept. Basically, I think the main reason I am here and retiring so young is still the bad luck I had with my wrist injury. But I am very happy with the career I have had; I never expected to have so much success. I have no regrets and I'm fine with that."

- What will you do when you retire?

"I want to delve more into sustainability. I already have a solar energy community. It's a very important topic for me on one hand. And on the other hand, I also want to continue in tennis. We have our academy in Austria, and it would be amazing if players from there someday competed in tournaments like the US Open or other important tournaments around the world. It would be very nice and also a goal."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Thiem confiesa qué es lo que más echará de menos tras su retirada