Dominic Thiem starts a surprising adventure as a soccer player

Dominic Thiem is willing to explore new horizons after retiring from professional tennis. The former world No. 3 and champion of the 2020 US Open will embark on a curious sports adventure by joining Badener AC, a team that competes in the eighth category of Austrian football. A completely different experience for one of the best tennis players of his generation.

As reported by Tenis News, citing Austrian media, Thiem was officially registered as a player of the club on July 15th at the Austrian Football Federation (OEFB). His arrival would have been facilitated by a friend who is part of the team.

Thiem will have to earn a spot on the team

There is anticipation at Badener AC to see what the former tennis player's performance might be. "We've heard that he is a good player. I hope he plays," stated the club's director, Sergej Petrovic, to the local newspaper NON.

However, his immense sporting prestige will not guarantee him playing time. Petrovic made it clear that Thiem will have to compete on equal terms with the rest of his teammates. "As training has not yet started, I cannot say much about the new signings. He has a friend on the team, and I hope he plays very well here. Everyone has to fight for a spot in the starting eleven," he explained.

This new adventure marks another intriguing chapter in the life of Dominic Thiem after leaving professional tennis. The Austrian reached the highest level with his spectacular one-handed backhand and great power, contested four Grand Slam finals, and achieved glory in New York in 2020.

Now, away from the circuit's pressure and the physical issues that deeply affected his last years, Thiem will be able to experience the thrill of competition again, though this time with a ball at his feet, starting from the more modest categories of his country's football.