Dominic Thiem said goodbye to the US Open.
Novak Djokovic was full of praise for his old rival Dominic Thiem (Image: Getty)
Novak Djokovic shared his honest thoughts on Dominic Thiem after the former world No. 3 played his final Grand Slam match at the US Open.
Thiem, who won the US Open in 2020, will retire on home soil in October at the ATP 500 in Vienna.
And it’s clear the 30-year-old will be missed by even his biggest rivals as Djokovic went out of his way to pile the praise on Thiem.
Earlier this year, Thiem announced that he would retire at the end of the season. It didn’t come as a huge surprise – a wrist injury derailed his career in 2021 and he never rediscovered his top form.
The 17-time title winner still has a couple of tournaments left before he hangs up his racket. But he has now played his final Grand Slam match, losing to Ben Shelton in the first round of the US Open in front of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
As his retirement nears, some of Thiem’s colleagues have shared their thoughts on his career. And Djokovic gave a glowing review of his old foe. “Well, I would like to congratulate him on a great Grand Slam career,” the world No. 2 said.
Dominic Thiem played his final Grand Slam match at the US Open (Image: Getty)
“I know he’s going to play I think his home tournament or maybe one or a few more other tournaments. I think that’s where he is going to retire, in Vienna. This is the only Grand Slam he has won. He has played I think another three finals.”
Turning his attention to Thiem’s off-court personality, Djokovic showed just how loved the 30-year-old is. He continued: “So just one of the nicest guys, really, on the tour for many years. He’s been respected. He’s been admired. He’s been loved by his peers, by colleagues, by everyone on the tour. Of course, fans.
“He put in so much work over the years, and I think he was a great example for many players that see what’s happening, so to say, behind the scenes. He always puts in the extra work, and the tenacity and intensity that he brings on and off the court in everything he does is something really remarkable.”
Dominic Thiem beat Novak Djokovic in five of their 12 career meetings (Image: Getty)
Thiem has been one of the big ‘what ifs’ of the tennis world, going from a career-best season in 2020 to a physical and mental decline. And even Djokovic thought it was a shame to see his former rival fail to build on his Grand Slam triumph four years ago.
“It’s really unfortunate for a player of his calibre that was really almost on top of the world, and being a top-3, top-5 player for years to go through the injury of the wrist that really, yeah, made him struggle. He was never the same player after that. It’s unfortunate,” he added.
“But, again, I guess when he draws the line, he can definitely be happy with what he has achieved, and he’ll be remembered.” Thiem finally got his special moment in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd on Monday.
Four years ago, the former No. 3 won his only Major title at the US Open behind closed doors, with a scattering of staff watching on in the empty stadium. But after losing to Shelton on Monday, he finally got to address the fans and received a commemorative photo frame.
