Earlier this yr, Dominic Thiem introduced that he would retire on the finish of the season. As his profession nears its finish, he seemed again at his profitable journey and hinted at what is perhaps forward.
When did you resolve to retire?
“The ultimate determination I took in March. However in the direction of the tip of final yr, the thought got here to my thoughts for the primary time. It wasn’t signal. I didn’t need to consider it. Nevertheless it acquired stronger and I needed to take care of it. I used to be unhappy but in addition relieved. All these years had been intense. Not with the ability to come again to the highest was difficult. Now I’m prepared for a brand new chapter.”
How painful is it so that you can play tennis now?
“It’s not painful, extra discomfort. The sensation within the wrist is just not proper. I practiced 15 years intensely. My wrist broke twice and simply by no means got here again the way in which it was.”
What’s going to you miss most about being on your?
“I’ll miss strolling out on to all of the centre courts and feeling the vitality of the followers. It’s an unbelievable feeling I’ll by no means get once more. The happiness of profitable is what’s all about. The 2 or three hours afterwards is nice.”
How will you refill your days whenever you retire?
“I’m already considering what to do subsequent. I’m not a man who will sit round and do nothing. I need to do good for the setting and different folks. Soccer is an enormous ardour of mine. I by no means acquired the time to play and watch due to my tennis. My dream is to personal a sustainable membership as a result of that’s the longer term. Slightly like Forest Inexperienced Rovers.”
Would you be eager about teaching on tour?
“In case you’re within the tennis world so long as me, it’s virtually an obligation to cross on my information on. I don’t suppose I’ll go on tour teaching however I need to assist younger gamers, particularly in Austria, get from the juniors to the skilled tour.”
While you appear to be again at your profession, are you pleased with what you received?
“Sure. Once I was younger I by no means thought that I might win a grand-slam or be quantity three on this planet someday. My dream was simply to be on the tour. Once I was at my peak between 2015-2021, I used to be taking part in actually good. I ought to have received extra grand-slams. However I’m pleased with my profession.”
Would you may have received one or two extra grand-slams if the Huge Three weren’t taking part in in your period?
“I don’t know. It’s tough to say. When the Huge Three had been on the peak, folks mentioned when they’re gone it is going to be simpler to win massive titles. However then Alcaraz and Sinner got here and it’s as onerous as earlier than.”
How difficult is it to face Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros?
“It’s most likely the toughest process in sport. The document he has there – 14 titles, 106 wins and simply 4 losses – is outstanding. I’m so blissful I acquired to play him there 4 instances. It’s painful although too. The ultimate in 2019 damage quite a bit as I believed I might win. I used to be taking part in very well. That match confirmed me if Nadal’s near his finest degree, it’s not possible to beat him there.”
You’ll depart the tour with a 5-2 profitable document over Roger Federer. How does that really feel?
“It’s a pleasant feeling however I’ve to be truthful and say that in three of these matches, he wasn’t at his peak degree or was injured. Taking part in Federer was extraordinarily tough as I felt he might do no matter he wished to you. He would toy with you.”
What was the very best match you performed in you profession?
“The one which involves thoughts is in 2019 towards Novak Djokovic within the group stage of the Nitto ATP finals. I received 7-6 within the third set and I cherished how I performed. The ambiance within the area was unbelievable that night time.”
What was you favorite match and why?
“The US Open. Not simply because I received there, however the vitality of the gang, the occasion and town is sensible. Typically I used to be blissful to depart after the three weeks as I used to be so drained. Nevertheless it was at all times a loopy, fulfilling time.”
Why do you suppose you struggled to go deep at Wimbledon?
“I believe grass is just not my finest floor. However I used to be by no means in a position to absolutely get better after the French Open and make the transition. It’s very onerous to vary from clay to grass in such brief time. The Huge Three did that so significantly better than everybody else. That’s why they received so many massive titles.”
Is there something you want to change concerning the world of tennis?
“I really like to observe tennis. The grand-slams ought to keep the identical. Nevertheless, I believe you may shorten some tournaments with match tie-breaks. You may additionally mix a padel and a tennis occasion. That might be enjoyable. However tennis is doing positive.”