Dominic Thiem and Roland-Garros, it’s over. Registered in the qualifications for the Parisian Grand Slam, the double finalist of the 2018 and 2019 editions was eliminated this Tuesday by the Finn Otto Virtanen (6-2, 7-5). A defeat which reflects the last months of the Austrian who, injured in the wrist, never managed to regain the level which allowed him to win the 2020 US Open against Alexander Zverev.
The hope of qualification was nevertheless real. Seeded No. 11 in this qualifying table, Dominic Thiem could logically win against the young Finn, 156th in the world. But the 22-year-old put out a particularly solid match, landing first serves at over 200 km per hour and powerful forehands.
Retired at end of season
Still in doubt because of his painful wrist, the Austrian never found the solution and the right pace in this second round of qualifying. He broke well in the middle of the second round, and regained hope thanks to a long break due to the rain, but that was not enough. Largely encouraged by the public at Suzanne-Lenglen, filled with hundreds of children, on Wednesday, Dominic Thiem fought until the end but ended up giving in. However, he took advantage of one last walkabout before leaving the court.
While he announced his retirement at the end of this season, at only 30 years old, the former world number 3 is leaving Porte d’Auteuil for the last time. Despite his game perfectly adapted to clay, he never won the second Grand Slam of the season, blocked each time by Rafael Nadal. However, he will remain a figure in the tournament.
