Dominic Thiem could end his active career this year. A circumstance that Novak Djokovic would obviously be extremely sad.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edited: May 8, 2024, 5:21 p.m
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Novak Djokovic paid great respect to Dominic Thiem
2024 could be the year of big farewells on the tennis tour. In addition to Rafael Nadal, who will most likely end his career after the current season, Dominic Thiem is also likely to hang up his racket soon. The “Salzburger Nachrichten” reported this on Tuesday.
One person who has not yet considered the end of his career is Novak Djokovic. Although the 24-time Grand Slam winner had a disappointing start to the season by his standards, he is still at the top of the world rankings. The Serb returns to the tour after a short break at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome.
Djokovic does not comment on retirement rumors
Before the start of the tournament, Djokovic commented on Thiem’s contributions to tennis in response to tennisnet’s request – and sang a hymn of praise for the Austrian. “First of all, he’s a great guy, a very good person, someone with very good manners, good values, a family man, someone who always took time to say hello, who always commands respect on the pitch and off the pitch has shown,” said Djokovic, who did not want to comment on the resignation rumors.
Regarding Thiem’s personality, Djokovic was, as usual, willing to provide information: “I like Dominic a lot. I think he is a great example of someone who, after the difficult time he had and still has with injuries, never gives up and tries to get back on track “To get back to the level he was at when he was winning Grand Slams and being among the world’s best.”
Djokovic deeply regrets that Thiem never got back to his old level after the wrist injury he suffered in the summer of 2021. “I can relate to that,” the 36-year-old alluded to his persistent elbow injury in 2017 and 2018. “I wish him all the best.”
“All of us as tennis fans and his colleagues hope that he finds his level, because it was always very exciting to watch him. Spectacular shots, incredible one-handed backhands, forehands, so much power and intensity that he brings to the court,” spread Djokovic to the Austrian Rosen.
Thiem with five wins against Djokovic
Thiem has repeatedly caused Djokovic problems in the past, even in big matches. The Lower Austrian won five of twelve games, including the epic French Open semi-final in 2019. Thiem’s victories at the ATP Finals in 2019 and 2020 are also unforgettable.
At best, Djokovic hopes that Thiem will continue his career: “Hopefully he can stay and play for as long as he can. Because he is also a very important player for our sport. But he decides. So only he knows how long will play.” Thiem also wants to inform the public this week.
Here is the individual tableau in Rome
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2024-05-08 14:50:00
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