Dominic Thiem has reflected on how competing with Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer contributed to the wrist injury that ultimately derailed his career. Despite this, the 2020 US Open champion considers himself fortunate to have played during the same era as the “Big Three.”
Thiem is set to play the final Grand Slam tournament of his career at the 2024 US Open before retiring at his home tournament in Vienna in October. The 30-year-old will face world No. 13 Ben Shelton in the opening round. Thiem announced in May that 2024 would be his last season, following struggles since suffering a serious wrist injury in 2021.
“There are some reasons behind it,” Thiem explained in an Instagram post in May. “Firstly, my wrist isn’t exactly the way it should be, and secondly, it’s an inner feeling. I’ve been thinking about this decision for a long time, reflecting on my journey as a tennis player, which has been incredible. I’ve had success and won trophies I never dreamed of. After considering everything, I concluded that ending my career by the end of the season is the only right decision.”
Thiem has left a significant mark on tennis history with his remarkable achievements, competing alongside three of the greatest players of all time. The 30-year-old recorded six wins against Nadal (6-10) and five each against Djokovic (5-7) and Federer (5-2). He reached four Grand Slam finals and claimed 17 ATP titles, including his 2020 US Open triumph.
In an interview with The Athletic ahead of his final US Open campaign, Thiem admitted that battling the legendary trio had taken a physical toll on him. “That definitely contributed to the injury,” Thiem said. “Competing with the three greatest of all time was intense. Over the years, I always had a heavy workload and intense practice sessions, which eventually led to my wrist breaking down.”
Thiem also expressed gratitude for having been part of an era with the Big Three and other great players. “I feel lucky to have been in that timeline. I came into the top 100 later than most, at 20 and a half, compared to others who made it at 18. I never thought it would be possible for me to become a Grand Slam champion and reach No. 3 in the world.”
Reflecting on his US Open victory and his comeback against Alexander Zverev in the 2020 final, Thiem admitted the challenges he faced. “Before the match, I already felt something was off. The first two sets were too tense; I was too nervous, and Sascha [Zverev] was playing really well. The pressure was immense, and I felt I had to win, which made it even tougher. When I was two sets down, I was able to relax a bit, and luckily, Sascha started to feel the pressure as well.”
Thiem had a stellar 2020 season, capturing his first major title at the US Open and finishing as the runner-up at the Australian Open and ATP Finals. However, his career took a downturn afterward, as he struggled with motivation in early 2021 before suffering a right wrist injury in June of that year. Since returning in 2022, Thiem’s forehand, once his strongest weapon, has been significantly weaker.
