Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem has confirmed his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 30 after releasing an emotional video. The Austrian admitted that his body could no longer handle the rigours of the game and after slipping down the ranking, decided to call it a day on his illustrious career.
Thiem’s sole Grand Slam victory came at the 2020 US Open, when he defeated Alexander Zverev after losing his four previous Major finals, which lifted him to a career-high world No. 3.
But less than a year after success at Flushing Meadows, Thiem suffered a serious wrist injury that kept him out of action for 10 months. He fell to 350 in the rankings and had returned to the top 100, but complaints over his wrist has forced Thiem to retire.
“It is very important, very sad, very beautiful message that this season will be my last one,” Thiem said as he sat down for an Instagram video to explain why he was quitting the sport.
“There are some reasons behind it: firstly, of course, my wrist, It is not the way it should be. The second reason is my inner feeling: I have been thinking about this decision for a very long time.”
Thiem had suffered a reoccurrence of his wrist issue this year, but did return to play in Estoril, Monte Carlo and Madrid, with his last-ever match to come at the end of the season.
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
