Dominic Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev in the final of the 2020 US Open. This victory, in the middle of the pandemic, with no spectators in the stands, was his best moment as a tennis player. After that triumph, however, he could do nothing but try to regain his top level without success. Injuries, particularly to his right wrist, were his undoing.

"The 2024 season will be my last. I will end my career at the end of this season", he said. Thiem said in a video statement posted on social media. That's how the Austrian decided to inform his fans and the tennis world that he will not continue as a professional player after the end of this season.

In the video, Thiem points to his wrist as the main reason for his early retirement. But it's not the only reason. He also referred to his "inner feeling", which led him to "reflect very carefully" on the highs and lows of his "incredible... journey as a tennis player." Dominic Thiem has had very good moments and he has had very bad moments. It wasn't something that suddenly came to him. It's something that took him many hours and days to think about. "I'm very happy with it (the decision). I'm also very excited about everything that comes next," he said.

The Austrian, currently ranked 117th, reached number three in the world. However, Thiem's ranking dropped to 352 in June 2002 after a wrist injury sidelined him for nine months and prevented him from defending his US Open title. His career has not improved, and he has suffered many physical problems that have prevented him from maintaining a consistent career.

He has won titles and finished on the podium in very important tournaments, won the French Open and reached the final twice, and has also reached the Australian Open once. Thiem also managed two finals at the Masters in London, which brings together the top eight players of the season. His record could have been better, but it is true that he lost in the finals and was deprived of the wins that always help climb the rankings.

Some players, such as the player who has won the most Grand Slam tournaments in history, Serbia's Djokovic, had kind words for Thiem, "He always showed respect on the court and always took the time to say hello," he told APA press agency. "I really like Dominic. We all know how hard it is to come back (from injury)."

Thiem will hang up his racket having achieved a feat few can claim. The Austrian was one of the players who ended the dominance of the 'Big Three' of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer with victory at the 2020 US Open. 

In his best year, he will have beaten Nadal in the quarter-finals of the 2020 Australian Open. He faced the Spaniard in two finals at Nadal's favourite tournament, Roland Garros, and lost both times. Thiem has beat Djokovic seven times, and Federer on five occasions.