has expressed concerns about the current state of tennis, stating, "The way we play tennis is not healthy. Nobody stays injury-free." His own struggles with injuries, particularly a wrist issue, played a significant role in his decision to retire, as he felt the pressure to keep up with the sport's elite, often referred to as the "big three," ultimately hindered his promising career.
In September 2020, Thiem showcased his remarkable talent by defeating to secure a spot in the US Open final. This performance further solidified his status as a potential successor in men's tennis. Having already reached three major finals—losing to
Rafael Nadal twice at the
French Open and to
Novak Djokovic in Australia—Thiem had proven his resilience. Each defeat only seemed to fuel his determination, and by his fourth attempt, he felt the momentum was finally on his side.
Reflecting on the emotions following his semi-final victory, Thiem recalled, "The emotions were great. Great dinner, great treatment. Everything was fine." However, he also admitted that as he prepared for bed that night, he felt an overwhelming sense of tension. "I felt like: ‘OK, I’m really tight. Shit. I cannot think about anything else other than the final, which is not good.’"
Thiem's journey highlights the intense pressures faced by professional athletes and raises important questions about the sustainability of the sport.
Question 1: What injury did Dominic Thiem suffer that contributed to his retirement from tennis?
Thiem's wrist injury was a significant factor that led to his retirement, as it hindered his ability to compete at the highest level.
Question 2: How did Thiem's performance at the US Open in September 2020 impact his career?
Thiem's impressive performance, where he defeated Daniil Medvedev to reach the final, showcased his potential as a future star in men's tennis, reinforcing his status as one of the heirs to the throne.
Question 3: What does Thiem suggest about the current state of tennis and player health?
Thiem expressed concerns that the way tennis is played today is not healthy, noting that it is difficult for players to remain injury-free, indicating a broader issue within the sport.
Question 4: How did Thiem feel after reaching the US Open final, and what was his mindset leading up to it?
After reaching the final, Thiem felt a mix of great emotions but also experienced tightness and anxiety about the upcoming match, which he recognized as a negative mindset.