Earlier this yr, Dominic Thiem introduced that he would retire on the finish of the season. As his profession nears its finish, he appeared again at his profitable journey and hinted at what is perhaps forward.
When did you determine to retire?
“The ultimate choice 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 signal. I didn’t need to consider it. But it surely received stronger and I needed to cope with it. I used to be unhappy but additionally relieved. All these years have 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 replenish your days while you retire?
“I’m already pondering what to do subsequent. I’m not a man who will sit round and do nothing. I need to do good for the atmosphere and different folks. Soccer is a giant ardour of mine. I by no means received 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 long run. A bit of like Forest Inexperienced Rovers.”
Would you be excited by teaching on tour?
“Should you’re within the tennis world so long as me, it’s virtually an obligation to move 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.”
Whenever you appear like again at your profession, are you proud of what you received?
“Sure. After I was younger I by no means thought that I’d win a grand-slam or be quantity three on the planet in the future. 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 received extra grand-slams. However I’m proud of my profession.”
Would you’ve received one or two extra grand-slams if the Huge Three weren’t enjoying in your period?
“I don’t know. It’s troublesome to say. When the Huge Three have been on the peak, folks mentioned when they’re gone will probably be simpler to win large titles. However then Alcaraz and Sinner got here and it’s as laborious as earlier than.”
How difficult is it to face Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros?
“It’s in all probability the toughest activity in sport. The document he has there – 14 titles, 106 wins and simply 4 losses – is outstanding. I’m so pleased I received to play him there 4 occasions. It’s painful although too. The ultimate in 2019 harm rather a lot as I believed I may 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 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 stage or was injured. Taking part in Federer was extraordinarily troublesome as I felt he may 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 in opposition to 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 event and why?
“The US Open. Not simply because I received there, however the vitality of the gang, the occasion and town is sensible. Generally I used to be pleased to depart after the three weeks as I used to be so drained. But it surely was at all times a loopy, satisfying time.”
Why do you suppose you struggled to go deep at Wimbledon?
“I feel grass is just not my finest floor. However I used to be by no means in a position to absolutely recuperate after the French Open and make the transition. It’s very laborious to alter from clay to grass in such quick time. The Huge Three did that so significantly better than everybody else. That’s why they received so many large titles.”
Is there something you wish to change concerning the world of tennis?
“I really like to observe tennis. The grand-slams ought to keep the identical. Nevertheless, I feel you might shorten some tournaments with match tie-breaks. You can additionally mix a padel and a tennis occasion. That may be enjoyable. However tennis is doing high quality.”
