Tennis: Thiem’s ​​long journey is finally over

“The whole trip was a dream, so I really want the evening to be yours too,” Thiem said to the 9,800 fans after the end. Before that, the great atmosphere had driven him to a stronger performance than expected, especially in the first set against Luciano Darderi. “I couldn’t have imagined it better,” he said after the 6:7 (6/8) 2:6 defeat against the Italian.

Only the second Grand Slam singles winner from Austria after Thomas Muster said goodbye with an appeal to the fans. “Tennis has experienced a huge upswing in Austria.” My request to you is to carry it on so that the beautiful sport remains present.”

Missed opportunities

Looking back on his career, Thiem told one or two anecdotes and he didn’t have to think long about which lost match he would like to play again: It wasn’t the narrow defeats against Novak Djokovic in the 2020 Australian Open final or the five-set thriller in the 2018 US Open quarterfinals against Rafael Nadal.

“It was more like the one against Del Potro in New York in 2017, I have no excuse for that, I lose that one time out of ten.” This was followed by a quarter-final against Federer. I never played against Roger in a Grand Slam tournament, I missed that chance back then.”

Nevertheless, Thiem has taken care of things. With $30.33 million in prize money alone and tens of millions in sponsorship money, he would no longer have to work. But his love for tennis has remained with him, he assured us late in the evening in the catacombs of the town hall.

Working with young players

One of his goals is to take part in his father Wolfgang Thiem’s ​​tennis academy. “That’s 100 percent certain, but I don’t see myself on the pitch.” There are others who are much better. But there are things, especially when making the step from junior to professional life and then throughout the entire professional career. I have built up an incredible wealth of experience over the last 15 years. I believe that I can be extremely helpful to many players.”

Maybe one day he can help a possible successor. The gap he leaves in Austrian tennis is enormous. “You can see that the sport is very popular in Kitzbühel and here.” I really hope that it doesn’t slow down until the next Austrian is at the top.” Thiem specifically addressed top talent Joel Schwärzler. “Hopefully it won’t take long with Joel. It will probably take a year, two or three years.”

Strains left their mark

Thiem rejected speculation about a possible return to professional sport. “I no longer see the chance of reaching my maximum level.” Even the love of sport is not enough. There are other ways to live it out.”

The enormous strain of top-class sport is noticeable. “Apart from the wrist, which is not in perfect condition, the two knees hurt, the back hurts every now and then, and there is also a lot of edema in the ankles and balls of the feet, which really hurt.” Once I’m warm, it’s fine it, but it will take a while until then.”

ATP 500 tournament in Vienna

(2,626,045 euros, hard court, hall)