Thiem: "Doctors have told me that I broke my wrist because of my effort to reach the level of the Big 3"

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Powerful and heart-wrenching statements have been made by Dominic Thiem in the lead-up to the US Open 2024. The Austrian faces the last Grand Slam of his career with the hope of living a new unforgettable experience and bidding farewell to the great audience, in an event that brought him great joy. He explains his wrist injury and proudly expresses his gratitude for having shared his career with the Big 3.

Nostalgia fills the hearts of all tennis fans before this US Open 2024, knowing it will be the last Grand Slam where we will enjoy Dominic Thiem, a player who has left an indelible mark in everyone's memory. The retirement of a player of this caliber at only 30 is disheartening, but a strange feeling arises upon reading the statements he gave to the Austrian media outlet Die Presse and to The Athletic.

- What caused his serious wrist injury

The beginning of the end started for Thiem shortly after achieving the great dream of his life, winning the US Open 2020. A void in his mind emerged, and he began to experience physical problems. It wasn't until the Mallorca tournament in 2021 when the fatal outcome occurred to a troubling trend of gameplay, results, and physical discomfort. It was during a match against Mannarino when his right wrist broke.

"I spent all the years of my career competing against the best in history, and the pressure I put on myself to reach that level and maintain it contributed to the injury, I have no doubt. I trained with very high intensity for many years, and the doctors have acknowledged that my wrist broke due to all the training, the shots I hit, and the tough training I had for many years. I always pushed myself to the limit to be among the best in the world," affirms the Austrian.

- Thiem feels privileged for all he has achieved

Far from regretting retiring so young, Domi can see the glass half full. "I consider myself very fortunate to have shared my career with the Big 3 and the other great tennis players I competed against. I reached the top 100 later than many of my peers, and honestly, I never thought it would be possible to win a Grand Slam title and be World No. 3," he comments.

- Review of his lost Grand Slam finals

Before clinching the title at the US Open 2020, the Austrian had been defeated in three finals, which he recalls vividly and emotionally. "In the first one (Roland Garros 2018), I felt a bit overwhelmed by the situation. I was satisfied; I was too happy to be there, and that took its toll. The following year, my attitude changed, I went out believing I could win. I had a great attitude and played well, but Rafa was on another level," he clarifies.

- Remembering his Grand Slam title at the US Open 2020

"Great memories flood my mind every time I set foot in New York. It was a challenging time because of the coronavirus, competing without spectators was not easy to handle. I will fondly remember the final against Zverev. I was very nervous when I stepped onto the court; I knew things wouldn't go well. The pressure was intense, I was thinking too much about my losses in the other finals and felt like I couldn't miss this opportunity since I wasn't facing a Big 3 member," he asserts.

"Every time I played a Grand Slam final, I felt it could be the last because the path to creating that opportunity was incredibly tough. Many little things have to fall into place, you have to stay healthy, and be at a very high level. That final was now or never for me. Fortunately, being two sets down, I managed to release my pressure, and he felt the nerves of being on the brink of glory," he points out.

- When he showcased his best tennis

"I feel that my highest level of play was at the Australian Open 2020. I moved incredibly well on the court, was aggressive, caused damage both on the return and serve. Losing the final to Djokovic was very painful because I had opportunities like I had never had in a Grand Slam final before," he concludes.

- Mental emptiness challenging to manage post US Open 2020 win

"Immediately after winning the US Open, I realized it would be very difficult for me to continue at the same level since I wouldn't pressure myself in the same way. I needed stress, maximum self-demand, to display my best tennis. I completely lost that sense of urgency to win and improve every day; I felt an absolute void every time I stepped onto a court," he acknowledges.

- Impossible to play burdened by the wrist

"In the months leading up to breaking my wrist, I was regaining ambition and starting to train again at 100%. It was a tragedy to have that injury because from that moment, nothing has been the same. I kept telling myself that maybe there would be a match or a tournament that would change the dynamic, but I never felt satisfied with how I could play. The good results came solely from my fighting spirit. My wrist no longer allowed me to play with the power I had before, so deciding to retire has been a relief," the Austrian argues.

- Final decision on retirement

"I can't pinpoint a particular moment when I decided it was time, but toward the end of last year, I was working very hard, giving my best and investing many hours in trying to improve. However, I wasn't reaching the level I needed. I saw myself playing very poorly compared to three, four, and five years ago," he explained.

- Approaching his farewell to tennis

"I am very grateful to have received an invitation. It will be great to compete at Arthur Ashe; I hope to offer a good performance. I am still in good shape; the only issue is my wrist, which still hurts. I would like to seize the opportunity to compete on a grand stage one last time; I want to enjoy every moment," he emphasizes.

- What are his future plans?

"I would like to enjoy tennis without any concerns, simply have fun with this beautiful sport. Perhaps, in time, I will consider being a commentator or coach. In the short term, I would like to start a family with my partner (circus artist Lili Paul Roncalli), and my dream is to create a completely sustainable football club," reveals a Dominic Thiem who will have one last dance at the US Open 2024, where he faces Ben Shelton at an Arthur Ashe that will pay him the tribute he deserves.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Thiem: "Los médicos me han dicho que me rompí la muñeca por mi esfuerzo para llegar al nivel del Big 3"