Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic pay tribute to retiring Dominic Thiem, Austrian reacts

10/21/2024 08:15 PM

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic maybe weren't present during Dominic Thiem's farewell night in Vienna but they made sure to send a kind tribute message to the retiring Austrian.

As the 31-year-old prepares to play the last tournament of his career, the Vienna organizers hosted a special night for the former world No. 3. On Sunday, the 2020 US Open champion played a one-set exhibition match versus Alexander Zverev, with several big tennis names in the crowd for the occasion including Boris Becker, Tommy Haas, Matteo Berrettini, etc.

At one point, a video message from once two of his biggest rivals was played. Addressing Thiem's retirement, Federer highlighted that he respected him both as a player and person and wished him all the best. 

"You were always a super guy, also off the court. Always fair. Your friendship was important on the Tour. We always got on well, and it was great for me. All the best with the future, and huge congratulations on your unbelievable career, Dominic. I am sure we will see each other soon, but for now, have a great evening," the Swiss tennis icon, who retired two years ago, said in his tribute message. 

Djokovic, who defeated Thiem in that thriller five-set 2020 Australian Open final, acknowledged the 31-year-old's influence and success before adding he hopes to see him do well in Vienna. 

“Thank you very much for all that you have given to all of us, but particularly tennis. I’m glad that you have the opportunity to say goodbye in Vienna. One last dance. I wish you a great tournament, with all your family members present, and celebrate it, because you deserve it my friend. All the best," the Serb said in his tribute message.

After impressively beating Federer in two of their first three meetings, Thiem lost their fourth clash but won their last three matches to finish with a 5-2 head-to-head against the former 20-time Grand Slam champion. Also, he beat the Swiss for his first Masters title in the 2019 Indian Wells final.

When it comes to his matches versus Djokovic, the Austrian ended on the losing side in each of their first five meetings. But then, he won five of their seven matches between mid-2017 to 2020. 

In early May, rumors started swirling around that the four-time Grand Slam finalist was informing his sponsors about his decision to retire. Shortly after, the Austrian confirmed it was true and that he decided to retire in front of his home fans in Vienna. And certainly, he doesn't regret that decision.

"What a night! I would like to sincerely thank everyone who joined me for my farewell last night! It means the world to me that you all came to share this special moment with me. The exhibition match with Alexander Zverev, the ONE SHOT CUP, the amazing performance by The Clairvoyants - and of course the farewell itself - all meant so much to me! A huge thank you to all of you for making this an unforgettable evening!" Thiem wrote on X on Monday.

The exhibition match with Alexander Zverev, the ONE SHOT CUP, the amazing performance by The Clairvoyants - and of course the farewell itself - all meant so much to me! A huge thank you to all of you for making this an unforgettable evening!

— Dominic Thiem (@domithiem) October 21, 2024

Since sustaining a wrist injury in 2021 June, the former world No. 3 just hasn't been the same player although he tried everything and battled for years to at least come close to his past game. After this season also got off to a very rough start, he came to terms that it was time to walk away from pro tennis.

When asked to reveal his retirement plans, Thiem shared that for now he doesn't intend to be a coach on the ATP Tour. However, the 31-year-old will focus on his academy and work with kids. 

“There is also our tennis academy. I think I can have some weeks off to get a little bit of distance from tennis. But then I really want to help young players to develop and to make the step from a junior to a professional player. I want to give back to tennis, as tennis gave me so much. In the future I don’t know but right now, I don’t want to or I’m not planning to come back as a touring coach," Thiem explained.

"I’m a bit tired of traveling, especially far away. And there are way better tennis coaches than me. But for sure, I had a lot of experiences which can be very helpful for young players. Especially, I would say in the age from 15 to 20 or 21, when there’s a lot going on and you have to make that step."

On Tuesday, Thiem plays against Luca Darderi in the Vienna first round.