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 determine to retire?
“The ultimate determination I took in March. However in the direction of the top of final yr, the thought got here to my thoughts for the primary time. It wasn’t a very good signal. I didn’t wish to imagine it. However it obtained stronger and I needed to cope with 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 just isn’t proper. I practiced 15 years intensely. My wrist broke twice and simply by no means got here again the best way it was.”
What is going to you miss most about being on your?
“I’ll miss strolling out on to all of the centre courts and feeling the power of the followers. It’s an unbelievable feeling I’ll by no means get once more. The happiness of successful is what’s all about. The 2 or three hours afterwards is nice.”
How will you replenish your days while you retire?
“I’m already considering what to do subsequent. I’m not a man who will sit round and do nothing. I wish to do good for the atmosphere and different folks. Soccer is an enormous ardour of mine. I by no means obtained 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. A little bit like Forest Inexperienced Rovers.”
Would you be all in favour of teaching on tour?
“Should you’re within the tennis world so long as me, it’s nearly an obligation to cross on my data on. I don’t assume I’ll go on tour teaching however I wish to assist younger gamers, particularly in Austria, get from the juniors to the skilled tour.”
While you seem like again at your profession, are you pleased with what you gained?
“Sure. After I was younger I by no means thought that I might win a grand-slam or be quantity three on the planet sooner or later. My dream was simply to be on the tour. After I was at my peak between 2015-2021, I used to be enjoying actually good. I ought to have gained extra grand-slams. However I’m pleased with my profession.”
Would you’ve got gained one or two extra grand-slams if the Massive Three weren’t enjoying in your period?
“I don’t know. It’s troublesome to say. When the Massive Three had been on the peak, folks mentioned when they’re gone will probably be simpler to win massive titles. However then Alcaraz and Sinner got here and it’s as arduous as earlier than.”
How difficult is it to face Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros?
“It’s most likely the toughest job in sport. The report he has there – 14 titles, 106 wins and simply 4 losses – is outstanding. I’m so blissful I obtained to play him there 4 occasions. It’s painful although too. The ultimate in 2019 harm so much as I believed I might win. I used to be enjoying rather well. That match confirmed me if Nadal’s near his finest stage, it’s unimaginable to beat him there.”
You’ll depart the tour with a 5-2 successful report over Roger Federer. How does that really feel?
“It’s a pleasant feeling however I’ve to be honest and say that in three of these matches, he wasn’t at his peak stage or was injured. Taking part in Federer was extraordinarily troublesome as I felt he might do no matter he needed to you. He would toy with you.”
What was the perfect 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 gained 7-6 within the third set and I beloved how I performed. The ambiance within the area was unbelievable that night time.”
What was you favorite event and why?
“The US Open. Not simply because I gained there, however the power of the group, the occasion and the town is sensible. Typically I used to be blissful to go away after the three weeks as I used to be so drained. However it was all the time a loopy, satisfying time.”
Why do you assume you struggled to go deep at Wimbledon?
“I feel grass just isn’t my finest floor. However I used to be by no means capable of absolutely get well after the French Open and make the transition. It’s very arduous to alter from clay to grass in such quick time. The Massive Three did that so a lot better than everybody else. That’s why they gained so many massive titles.”
Is there something you want to change concerning the world of tennis?
“I really like to look at tennis. The grand-slams ought to keep the identical. Nonetheless, I feel you might shorten some tournaments with match tie-breaks. You might additionally mix a padel and a tennis occasion. That may be enjoyable. However tennis is doing high quality.”
