Dominic Thiem shares very special statement after concluding his last French Open run

05/22/2024 08:22 AM

Dominic Thiem, 30, had some selected words for the French Open after concluding his last appearance at the tournament as the Austrian said he and Roland Garros had "a really special bond and special relationship" and also expressed his deepest gratitude to everybody who came to support him during his farewell in Paris.

After coming back from a set down to beat Franco Agamenone on Monday, Thiem returned to the court today to play his qualifying second-round match. Playing against world No. 156 Otto Virtanen, Thiem found himself down by a set - just like two days earlier versus Agamenone - but this time the Austrian didn't manage to create a comeback as the 22-year-old Finn beat the former world No. 3 6-2 7-5. 

For Thiem - who made 10 consecutive French Open draw appearances between 2014 and 2023 - this was his 11th and last appearance at Roland Garros since he is retiring from tennis later this year.

After reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2016 French Open, Thiem returned to the French Open semifinal the following year. Then in 2018, Thiem made his first Slam final at Roland Garros and he was also a French Open finalist in 2019. 

In both of his French Open final appearances, Thiem was beaten by Rafael Nadal.

After Thiem concluded his last French Open run, the organizers held a little ceremony for the Austrian.

Dominic Thiem is honored with a trophy and a ceremony after playing his final match at Roland Garros in qualifying. Forever a legend. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1QgfqXBsIr

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 22, 2024

Then, the 30-year-old Austrian addressed the crowd.

“Thank you for today, and also for two days ago... Playing qualies for a full stadium on Suzanne Lenglen where I have so many great memories was such a great farewell for Roland Garros. Thank you to everyone who came and gave me such great support," Thiem said when addressing the crowd after the match.

"There’s really a special bond, a special relationship with this tournament… I had so many great results, memories, and experiences on these courts. It’s the Grand Slam with my best results. I enjoyed every single year of it... Thank you so much for all the memories… They will last for a lifetime.” 

Dominic Thiem after playing his final match at Roland Garros: “Thank you for today, and also for two days ago.. playing qualies for a full stadium on Suzanne Lenglen where I have so many great memories was such a great farewell for Roland Garros. Thank you to everyone who came… pic.twitter.com/QKOybvZeCA

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 22, 2024

Thiem will now likely turn his focus to the grass season and his Wimbledon farewell.