Former US Open champion, Dominic Thiem on Monday, August 26 played his final Grand Slam match of his career. The Austrian tennis star, who received a wild card entry in the last Grand Slam of the year, the US Open 2024, suffered a first round exit from the tournament as he lost a hard fought match 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 against Ben Shelton.
Although this defeat brought curtains to his Grand Slam career, he also received a memento, which was a collage of his past performances at the Flushing Meadows from the organisers of the tournament. The 30-year-old, who had earlier taken the decision to stay away from the major competitions in March this year, also added that he is at peace with this call and aims to live a normal life once again.
Watch Dominic Thiem receive memento from US Open organisers after his final appearance:
I’m really also happy with my decision: Dominic Thiem
Speaking after the loss in the opening round of the US Open 2024, Thiem told reporters that he has been struggling lately and is not able to come back to his level. “I was struggling enough the last years, especially since I was not able to come back to my level, but once I took the decision this year in March, I was happy about it,” he said.
“I was also able to prepare for this new chapter which is coming soon. Honestly, I loved playing on tour, and I was very patient about it, but I also always really enjoyed to be home and to have kind of a normal life at home. That’s why I think it’s not that difficult for me, and that’s why I’m really also happy with my decision,” Thiem said.
Furthermore, on being asked if he had been affected worse by the injury, he added, “The basic reason why I’m here now, retiring pretty young is the bad luck with the wrist injury. But again, I’m really happy with the career I had before. I never expected that it’s going to be that successful, so I don’t really any regrets, and I’m good with that.”
The 30-year-old, Dominic Thiem, who has now retired from Grand Slams, will next feature at his home Vienna Open in October 2024.