Dominic Thiem’s Grand Slam Career Ends After US Open 2024 Flop

Dominic Thiem's Grand Slam career concluded in the first round of the US Open, where he lost to Ben Shelton on Monday. The former New York champion, who claimed his sole major title at the 2020 US Open, had announced earlier this year that 2023 would be his last on the professional tour, largely due to persistent struggles with a wrist injury. This is prepared by SSP.

Back in 2020, Thiem overcame a daunting two-set deficit to beat Alexander Zverev, but this year, he was defeated 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 by Shelton. Following the match, both players shared a heartfelt moment at the net, with Shelton prompting the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium to show their appreciation for Thiem. Notably, no audience was present during his 2020 triumph due to COVID-19 restrictions, making this farewell particularly poignant for the 30-year-old Austrian. He received a framed collage of his best US Open moments in an on-court ceremony and expressed his emotions to the spectators, reflecting on his career's pinnacle achieved under unusual circumstances four years ago.

"I’m super happy to have played my last US Open in front of all of you," Thiem said, thanking the crowd and expressing sadness over not having shared his 2020 success with them. "It was a special moment, even though it wasn’t the same without you back then."

Reflecting on his career, Thiem spoke openly about the challenges he faced post-injury and his decision to retire, which he made earlier this year. Ranked outside the top 200 with just one tour-level win this season, he accepted that his current level was not up to par with top competitors like Shelton. He acknowledged the struggles of not reaching his previous form, attributing his young retirement primarily to his wrist injury. Despite having professional accomplishments such as 17 career titles, including the 2020 US Open and the Indian Wells Masters in 2019, Thiem felt content with his career's journey and held no regrets.

A decade after his Grand Slam debut in 2014, Thiem is scheduled for his final matches at the UTS event in Frankfurt and his home ATP event in Vienna this October. His retirement adds to the list of recent departures in tennis, following the likes of Andy Murray, Angelique Kerber, and Garbine Muguruza. Known for his powerful game and athletic prowess, Thiem leaves a significant legacy, even lamenting that his wrist injury cut his potential short. He now looks forward to "normal life," including working on energy sustainability projects and being more involved with his family's tennis academy in Austria.

"The feeling of winning a great match is unmatched," Thiem reflected, contemplating what he would miss most. "That high is something you can’t recreate outside tennis, but I’m happy with my decision and looking forward to new beginnings."

On the same day, German fourth seed Zverev and 2022 finalist Casper Ruud were also among the victors at the US Open.