With Dominic Thiem approaching the final day of his career, farewell messages from around the world are already pouring in. The Austrian received heartfelt tributes from the “Big Three” of tennis: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer at the Lotterien Sporthilfe Gala 2024.
Thiem, who turned pro in 2011, announced his retirement in May 2024 via an Instagram post. He attributed this decision to struggles with his wrist, after suffering multiple injuries over the past three years, and an inner feeling that came after deep reflection on his tennis journey.
On Thursday at the Lotterien Sporthilfe Gala 2024, Thiem received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to him by Austrian football team captain and Real Madrid player David Alaba. After the award was handed to Thiem, pre-recorded videos from the “Big Three” were played on the screens.
Nadal congratulated him, expressing his respect and admiration for Thiem and wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.
“Hey Domi, how are you doing I just want to congratulate you for this lifetime achievement award, very well deserved, very happy for you, you know how much I admire you, and respect you so I wish you all the best, enjoy tonight and see ya around” – Nadal said
Djokovic thanked Thiem for what he has done for the sport and expressed his excitement at the latter hanging up his racket on home soil, surrounded by family, at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, which is set to kick off later in October 2024.
“thank you very much for all you have given to all of us, particularly tennis, I am glad that you will have an opportunity to say goodbye in Viena, one last dance, I wish you a great tournament, with all family members present and celebrate it, you deserve it my friend, all the best” – Novak Djokovic said
Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer also had farewell words for the Austrian and chose to share his message in German instead of English.
“Tennis will miss you very, Very much” – Federer said in German
Dominic Thiem has defeated each member of the “Big Three” at least five times
Dominic Thiem at the US Open 2024 – Source: Getty
Dominic Thiem at the US Open 2024 – Source: Getty
In his 15-year career, Dominic Thiem defeated each member of the Big Three- Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer- at least five times.
Thiem faced Rafael Nadal 16 times, winning 6 of those encounters. A major highlight of his career was competing against Nadal in the French Open finals in 2018 and 2019. Thiem first met Novak Djokovic in 2014 when Djokovic won their second-round match at the Shanghai Open. They faced each other 11 more times, with Thiem securing victory in five of those matches.
Roger Federer is the only member of the Big Three with whom Dominic Thiem has a winning head-to-head record, securing five victories out of their seven matches. Thiem clinched his first ATP Masters 1000 title by defeating Federer in the final of the 2019 Indian Wells Masters.
Throughout his career, Thiem reached a peak ranking of No. 3 in the ATP rankings and won a total of 17 singles titles, including the 2020 US Open.