Dominic Thiem 开启令人惊讶的足球运动员生涯

Dominic Thiem is willing to explore new horizons after his retirement from professional tennis. The former world number 3 and champion of the US Open 2020 will embark on a curious sporting 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.

According to Tenis News, citing Austrian media, Thiem was officially registered as a player of the club on July 15 at the Austrian Football Federation (OEFB). His arrival reportedly happened thanks to the intervention of a friend who is part of the team.

Thiem will have to earn a place on the team

There is anticipation from Badener AC to see what performance the former tennis player can deliver. "We have 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 significant sporting prestige does not guarantee him minutes on the field. Petrovic made it clear that Thiem will have to compete on equal terms with the rest of his teammates. "As training has not started yet, I cannot say much about the new signings. He has a friend in the club, and I hope he plays very well here. Everyone has to fight for a place in the starting eleven," he explained.

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

Now, away from the circuit pressure and the physical problems that deeply affected his later years, Thiem will be able to feel the competition adrenaline again, albeit this time with a ball at his feet and starting from the lower categories of football in his country.