Dominic Thiem

Dominic Thiem, born on 3 September 1993, is an Austrian former professional tennis player. He reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3 in March 2020 and won 17 ATP Tour-level singles titles, including the 2020 US Open. Thiem also was runner-up at several major tournaments, such as the 2018 French Open, 2019 French Open, and 2020 Australian Open.

As a young player, Thiem was ranked as high as world No. 2 in juniors and won the 2011 Orange Bowl. He turned professional in 2014 and won his first ATP title at the 2015 Open de Nice Côte d'Azur. Thiem became known for his powerful groundstrokes and skillful use of a single-handed backhand.

In 2019, Thiem won the Indian Wells Masters by beating Roger Federer in the final. His biggest achievement came when he won the 2020 US Open, becoming the first man born in the 1990s to win a major singles title and the first Austrian to win the US Open. Unfortunately, Thiem faced a serious wrist injury in 2021 and never fully recovered, leading him to retire after the 2024 Vienna Open.

Thiem was also honored as the Austrian Sportsman of the Year in 2020, marking the fourth time a tennis player has received this award since it began in 1949.

Early life and background

Dominic Thiem was born on 3 September 1993 in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, to Wolfgang and Karin Thiem, who are both tennis coaches. He grew up in Lichtenwörth and started playing tennis when he was six years old. Thiem has a younger brother named Moritz Thiem, who is also a professional tennis player.

When Thiem was three, his father began working at a tennis academy in Vienna run by coach Günter Bresnik. Bresnik became Thiem’s coach when he was nine. At age twelve, Thiem changed his two-handed backhand to a one-handed backhand at Bresnik’s advice. Thiem faced some health challenges at seventeen, which he linked to a big growth spurt during that year.

Junior career

Dominic Thiem started playing tennis when he was 14 in 2008. He quickly rose in rankings, reaching world No. 2 in junior tennis by January 2011. Thiem won several tournaments, including events in Greece, Croatia, Colombia, Peru, and Italy.

In 2011, Thiem reached the final of the French Open for juniors but lost to Bjorn Fratangelo. He won many other junior tournaments that year, finishing strong by winning three back-to-back events, including the Orange Bowl in Plantation, Florida, United States. Thiem’s junior career ended with a record of 115 wins and 33 losses in singles, and he beat several players who later became top professionals.

Career

2011–13: ATP debut and first ATP win

Thiem turned professional in 2011, mainly competing in smaller tournaments and making his debut in bigger events after receiving special entries to the main draws of Kitzbühel, Bangkok, and Vienna. In Vienna, Thiem recorded his first big tour win over a former world No. 1, before losing in the next round. In 2012, Thiem continued to compete in smaller tournaments, going 34–15 in matches with three titles. He received a special entry to Vienna again, defeating an opponent, before losing in the second round.

In 2013 Thiem competed in smaller tournaments and big tour events, while also receiving special entries at big tour level to his home events in Kitzbühel and Vienna. In Kitzbühel he made it through to the quarterfinals by defeating a seeded player in the second round. He lost in the quarterfinals to another player in straight sets. At the Vienna Open, Thiem reached his second quarterfinal of the year losing to a top-seeded player, in a close three-set match.

2014: First ATP final

Thiem entered the top 100 for the first time in 2014, and was the youngest player to end the year in the top 50, ranked 39. He spent the first half of the year entering qualifying for big tour events, and was successful seven out of eight times. Thiem began the year by qualifying for the main draw, but lost in the first round. At a major tournament, Thiem qualified for a place in the main draw. He defeated an opponent in four sets for his first main-draw victory at a major tournament. He then lost to a seeded player in the second round. In February Thiem qualified for another tournament, and in the second round of the main draw, he pushed a top player to three sets, losing out in the third. At another tournament Thiem qualified for the main draw and defeated an American in the first round. He recorded his highest ranked win to date in the second round against a seeded player, in straight sets. He lost in the next round to another player. The next week he succeeded in qualifying for the main draw at another tournament but lost in the second round in a tight match. Thiem received a special entry for the main draw of another tournament. But he was defeated in the first round by an opponent in three sets. The next week he went through qualifying for the main draw at another tournament. He beat two opponents, before losing to another player in the third round.

At another tournament, Thiem qualified for a big tour event for the seventh time in 2014. In the second round he had the biggest win of his career when he defeated a top-ranked player, in three sets. Thiem started his campaign at a major tournament by beating an opponent in straight sets. In the second round he faced a top-ranked player and defending champion, but was defeated in straight sets, only winning seven games in the process. Thiem suffered consecutive first-round losses on grass at another tournament in London, and at a major tournament to a qualifier.

After a major tournament, Thiem played at another tournament where he reached the third round before being defeated by an opponent. Thiem was seeded at a big tour tournament for the first time in his career. Seeded eighth, he lost in the first round to a special entry. At another tournament Thiem was seeded fifth. In the semifinal he beat an opponent to reach his first big tour final at the age of 20. In the final, he lost to another player despite being a set up. Competing in his first ever US Open in 2014, Thiem reached the fourth round defeating seeded players, before losing to a seeded player. At the end of the 2014 season Thiem completed four weeks of mandatory service with his country's military.

2015: Three ATP titles

Thiem had a slow start to the year, going 3–6 in matches before he reached his first big tour quarterfinals at another tournament. Thiem was defeated in the first round of a major tournament to an opponent. At another tournament he beat an opponent but fell to another player in the second round. At another tournament, he defeated two opponents to reach the quarterfinals, where he was beaten by an opponent. The Austrian reached the quarterfinals at another tournament losing to a player in three sets. At another tournament he won over an opponent to reach the third round, where he was defeated by a top player. Thiem won his first career big tour title in France, defeating several opponents en route, winning a close match against an opponent in the final. At a major tournament, Thiem defeated an opponent to progress to the second round, where he was defeated by a seeded player in four close sets.

Thiem entered another tournament as the seventh seed, he defeated an opponent to claim his first win on grass in 2015, but was knocked out in the third round by an opponent. Thiem competed at another major tournament as the 32nd seed, marking the first time he had been seeded at a major tournament. He defeated an opponent in four sets, marking his first ever win at that tournament. In the second round, Thiem lost a close match against an opponent, despite being ahead in sets. After that tournament, he participated at another tournament as the fourth seed, which gave him a bye into the second round. After wins over two opponents (after both players retired), Thiem advanced to the semifinals, where he defeated an opponent and earned himself a place in his third career final. In the final, he defeated an opponent in straight sets to claim his second career big tour title. A week later Thiem won his third title at another tournament, beating an opponent in the final, winning back to back tournaments for the first time.

Thiem next played at his home tournament, as the first seed which marked the first time he entered a big tour tournament as the top seeded player. After receiving a bye, he managed to avoid an early exit, as he gained a close win against an opponent. He defeated another player in the quarterfinals, after the opponent retired early in the second set. In the semifinals he was denied a place in his third consecutive final when he lost to a player, which ended his winning streak of ten matches. After the tournament ended, Thiem entered the top 20 for the first time, reaching a new career high of world No. 18.

2016: First Grand Slam semifinal and top 10 debut

Thiem won four titles in 2016, including a first at a big level tournament, and reached the French Open semifinals, the first time he had progressed past the fourth round at a major tournament. Thiem started the year with a semifinal run on outdoor hard courts, beating a top-ranked player, but losing to another player in straight sets. Thiem reached the third round of a major tournament, losing to a top-ranked player, in four sets. Thiem next competed at another tournament, where he was seeded fifth. In the semifinals he upset a top-ranked and defending champion in three sets. Thiem went on to win his fourth big tour title by defeating an opponent in three sets.

His next tournament was another tournament. Thiem reached the quarterfinals where he defeated a top-ranked player, his second top-ten win in two weeks. He was defeated by an opponent in the semifinals, showing signs of tiredness during the match. In February, Thiem won another tournament, his first hard court title. He defeated an opponent in the final. With this win, Thiem attained a career-high ranking of 14. In early March, Thiem participated in his country's first-round tie versus another country on indoor hard courts. In singles, he defeated an opponent in a final set tiebreak. Partnering a teammate, he also beat the same opponent and another player in doubles. In reverse singles, Thiem defeated the other player to give his country a lead, and the team went on to win the tie.

Thiem competed at another tournament where he reached the fourth round before falling to a top-ranked player. In March, at another tournament he reached the fourth round succumbing to a top-ranked player. Thiem then played at another tournament losing to a top player in the third round. In late April, Thiem reached the final of another tournament on outdoor clay, he played an opponent ultimately losing in three sets. Thiem lost in the first round of another tournament before he competed in another tournament. He defeated a top player, who was suffering from an injury, in straight sets. In the quarterfinals, Thiem lost to a seeded player. In France, Thiem successfully defended his title, beating an opponent in the final. At a major tournament, Thiem reached the semifinals of a major for the first time by defeating an opponent in the quarterfinals. He lost to a top-ranked and eventual champion in the semifinals. By reaching this semifinal he also made his debut inside the top ten of big tour rankings as world No. 7.

In early June, Thiem competed at another tournament as the third seed. He defeated a top-seeded player in the semifinal. In the final, he defeated an opponent over two days to win his first grass court tournament. With the win he became the 29th player in history to win big tour titles on three different surfaces in the same year. Thiem next competed at another tournament where he lost to an opponent in the semifinal. At a major tournament, in the first round Thiem again encountered an opponent, but this time he won. In the second round, Thiem was defeated by another player. At the US Open, Thiem beat an opponent to reach the fourth round, where he retired against another player due to a knee injury. After the US Open, Thiem reached the final at another tournament but lost to an opponent. Thiem qualified for the big tour finals for the first time losing his opening match to a top player before he scored a win against another player. He was eliminated in the round robin stage following a loss to an opponent. He ended the year ranked No. 8, his first time finishing inside the top ten.

2017: First Masters 1000 final and world No. 4

Thiem improved his major tournament results in 2017, reaching the fourth round in all four, and a second consecutive semifinal at the French Open. Thiem began the year by playing at another tournament, losing in the quarterfinals against an eventual winner. Thiem then played at another tournament as the top seed. Thiem overcame an opponent but lost in the quarterfinals to another player. At a major tournament, Thiem advanced to the fourth round for the first time, but lost to an opponent for the second year in a row. Thiem went to another tournament for the first big tour event of the year. After defeating an opponent and another player, Thiem lost in the quarterfinals to an opponent. The following week, Thiem was again the second seed at a big tour event, this time at another tournament. Thiem claimed his first title since June, defeating an opponent in the final. This was Thiem's eighth big tour title, his sixth on clay, and his second at the 500 level. Thiem played in his third consecutive big tour event at another tournament, where he was the defending champion. Seeded fourth, Thiem lost in the quarterfinals to an opponent, who eventually won the tournament.

At the quarterfinals of another tournament he met a top player, losing a final set tiebreak. After losing his opening round match in another tournament to an opponent, and a second round exit in another tournament to an opponent, he made his 12th big tour final in another tournament losing to a top player in two sets. En route he scored his first win over a current world No. 1, beating an opponent in the semifinals. At another tournament, Thiem reached his first big tour final against a top player. Thiem lost but showed an improvement over his scores against the top player. Thiem defeated the top player in the quarterfinals of another tournament in two straight sets, before falling to a top player in the semifinals. At a major tournament, Thiem did not drop a set in his first five matches including defeating a defending champion before losing in the semifinal to an eventual champion in straight sets.

At the beginning of the grass court season, Thiem reached the second round of another tournament, losing to an opponent. Then, in the second round of another tournament, he was upset by a qualifier, then ranked world No. 222. At a major tournament, he reached the fourth round for the first time in his career, losing out to an eventual semifinalist in five sets. Thiem then participated in another tournament, where he lost to an opponent in the third round. At another tournament in Montreal, he received a bye into the second round, but lost to an opponent. He then reached the quarterfinals of another tournament, where he lost to an opponent. At a major tournament, Thiem made it to the fourth round against a champion from another year, he eventually lost in five sets, after failing to capitalize on match points in the fourth set. Thiem again struggled with form following a major tournament, losing three straight matches in three different tournaments. Nonetheless, he qualified for the big tour finals for the second straight year. Thiem then lost his second match in Vienna and another tournament to two opponents successively. Thiem broke into the top five in the rankings for the first time in his career, rising to world No. 4. During the round robin stage of the big tour finals, Thiem defeated an opponent in three sets, but lost to two others. He did not advance to the semifinals.

2018: First major final

Thiem reached a first major tournament final at the French Open, and a first US Open quarterfinal in 2018, along with a second big tour final in another tournament. In late last year, a coach was added to Thiem's team and they worked together until the end of the tennis season. Thiem began his season at another tournament as the top seed. He reached the semifinals where he withdrew from his match against an opponent due to illness. At a major tournament, Thiem lost in the fourth round against an opponent. This was equal to his result of the previous year at that tournament. Thiem's next tournament in mid-February saw him win his ninth big tour title at another tournament, his second in a city. This was his first title in nearly a year. In another tournament, he won his second round match against an opponent. In his third-round match against an opponent, he rolled his ankle in winning in the first set, later retiring from the match. He skipped another tournament because of an injury.

Thiem next played in Monte Carlo, losing to a top player in the quarterfinals. In another tournament, he again advanced to the quarterfinals, before falling to an opponent. In another tournament, he faced the top player in the quarterfinals. This time, he came through to win, ending the top player's winning streak on clay. Thiem had been the last man to win against the top player on clay the previous year in Italy. Thiem then defeated an opponent to reach the final where he lost to an opponent in straight sets. Thiem was the sixth seed at another tournament, but lost his first match to an opponent in three sets. Thiem then played in France, where he came back from a set and a break down against an opponent to win his 10th big tour title. At a major tournament, Thiem faced an opponent in the quarterfinals, defeating him in straight sets. In his third consecutive major tournament semifinal, Thiem defeated an opponent to advance to his first major tournament final. He then lost in straight sets in the final to a top player.

Thiem lost to an opponent in his first match at another tournament, and was forced to withdraw from another tournament due to illness. At a major tournament, he reached the fourth round for the third consecutive year. There, he faced a champion from another year, defeating him in straight sets to reach his first major tournament quarterfinal on hard court, where he faced a top seed. This was their first meeting on a surface other than clay. In a surprising start to the match, Thiem won the first set, yielding only seven points. The top seed took control and won the second and third sets. Thiem then won the fourth set in a tiebreak. The top seed won the fifth set tiebreak to bring the match to an end after long play. Later that month, Thiem claimed a title at another tournament. He defeated an opponent to secure his ninth title. At another tournament, Thiem was upset by an unseeded opponent in his first match. Thiem was the top seed at another tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals where he lost to an opponent. Then at another tournament, Thiem was seeded sixth, reaching the semifinals before losing to an eventual champion. At the big tour finals, Thiem was eliminated in the group stage after winning one match, against an opponent, and losing his two others, against an opponent and a top player. He ended the 2018 season ranked world No. 8.

2019: Masters 1000 title, Major final, ATP Finals runner-up

Thiem won five titles in 2019, tying with a top player for the Tour lead. Thiem started his season at another tournament, but was upset in the first round by an opponent. At a major tournament, he defeated an opponent in five sets before retiring to another player in the second round. He failed to defend his title in a city and was knocked out of another tournament by an opponent. At another tournament, he defeated an opponent, got a walkover through another player, and beat another player en route to the final, where he defeated a top player in three sets to claim his first big tour title. As a result, he returned to his career-best ranking of world No. 4. A new addition was made to Thiem's coaching team a month before the tournament.

At another tournament he lost to an eventual finalist in the third round. Thiem next went to another tournament, where he captured his third career big tour title. En route to the title, Thiem did not drop a set, including in his win over an eleven-time champion in the semifinal, his fourth win on clay over the player. Thiem defeated an opponent in straight sets in the final. Just prior to a major tournament Thiem parted with long time coach and manager, who he had been working with for 15 years. Thiem was seeded fourth at a major tournament and reached his fourth consecutive semifinal at the tournament where he faced a top-ranked player. In a match stretching over two days, Thiem defeated the top player in five sets, advancing to his second major tournament final. In the final, he again faced a top player. After splitting the first two sets, the top player won the third and fourth sets to take the match.

At a major tournament, Thiem lost in the first round to an opponent. Thiem played in Hamburg, losing in the quarterfinals to an opponent. The following week he won the 14th title of his career in Kitzbühel defeating an opponent in the final. At a major tournament he lost to an opponent in the first round in four sets, his second first-round major tournament loss in a row. At another tournament, Thiem defeated an opponent in straight sets to progress to the semifinals, where he defeated an opponent after coming back to win in three sets. With this win he qualified for the big tour finals. In the final Thiem defeated an opponent to win his first title in Asia, fourth title in 2019 and 15th career title. At another tournament Thiem reached the quarterfinals before being bested by an opponent. For the first time in ten attempts, Thiem made past the quarterfinal stage at his home tournament. He reached the final where he triumphed over an opponent to claim the trophy, for his 16th career title.

At the big tour finals, Thiem defeated a top player and another top player in consecutive matches, and became the first player to qualify for the semifinals. It was Thiem's first win over the second top player on hard court. Thiem then defeated an opponent in straight sets to reach the final where he lost to an opponent in three sets.

2020: Major title at the US Open, World No. 3, 300th win

Main article: 2020 Dominic Thiem tennis season

In a curtailed season due to a health concern, Thiem posted his best results at major tournaments. He began his 2020 season at the inaugural another tournament, where his country was defeated in the group stage. He played three matches, defeating an opponent but losing to another player and a top player. Seeded fifth at a major tournament, Thiem reached his first quarterfinals there where he faced a top-ranked and top seed in just their second match on hard court. He defeated the top seed in four sets, winning three tiebreaks, proceeding to the semifinals. He then defeated a seeded player in four sets to make his first major tournament final on hard courts. In the final, Thiem lost to a defending champion in five sets despite holding a two sets to one lead.

On March 2, Thiem rose to a new career high ranking of world No. 3, passing another player in the rankings. Thiem arrived early at another tournament to defend his title. However, amid the rising threat of a health concern, the tournament was postponed. Shortly afterward the big tour was suspended until July. During the big tour's suspension Thiem competed in several exhibition events. He won the first leg of an exhibition event in a city, the Bett1 Aces event in another city, the Austrian Pro Series event and reached the final of his own exhibition event. Upon the tour's resumption in August, at another tournament in New York, Thiem lost his opening match to an opponent.

Thiem was the second seed in the men's singles draw at a major tournament. In the third round, he defeated a champion from another year in four sets. He went on to beat an opponent in the fourth round in straight sets. He beat an opponent in the quarterfinals in straight sets, following which he defeated a top-seeded player in three sets in the semifinals to reach his first U.S. Open final. He defeated an opponent in the final to win his first major title, the first time since another major tournament that a player had come back from losing the first two sets in a major tournament final to win the title. This was the fifth time a player has come back from two sets down in the open era. Thiem became the first male tennis player born in the 1990s to win a major title. Thiem additionally became the first new major tournament champion in the men's singles since another player won a major tournament.

Thiem was seeded third at a major tournament. He reached the quarterfinals where he was defeated by an opponent in a match which took five hours and eight minutes to complete. Thiem then played as the defending champion at another tournament but lost in the quarterfinals to an opponent in straight sets.

At the big tour finals, Thiem was drawn with an opponent, a top player, and another player. He beat the opponent in a rematch of the previous year's final. He then defeated the top player in two tiebreaks guaranteeing him passage to the semifinals. He beat a top player in the semifinals, recording his 300th match win and his fifth against a world No. 1, but lost the finals to an opponent in three sets. After a breakthrough year and winning his a major tournament, Thiem was awarded an award which was presented at a Gala. Sports Illustrated declared Dominic Thiem as Winner of Tennis MVP award for the year 2020.

2021: Form struggles and wrist injury

Thiem began the 2021 season at another tournament, where his country was defeated in the group stage. Thiem lost his opener to an opponent, and was a set up when another player had to retire due to injury in his second match. At a major tournament Thiem reached the fourth round by defeating an opponent, coming back from two sets down to win in five sets. In the fourth round he was defeated by an opponent in straight sets. Thiem's next tournament was another tournament, where he beat an opponent in three sets before losing to an opponent. He then lost in the first round of another tournament to an opponent.

Following these losses Thiem took a break to "recharge" and recover from a knee injury. His first tournament back was another tournament, where he reached the semifinals by defeating several opponents before losing to an opponent in straight sets. At another tournament, Thiem beat an opponent before falling to an opponent in the third round. In France, Thiem lost his opening match to an opponent in five sets, despite being 2 sets up.

On June 17, due to his struggling form, Thiem announced his withdrawal from another tournament. Up against an opponent in another tournament, Thiem suffered a right wrist injury, forcing him to retire, which also led him to withdraw from a major tournament. On August 18, Thiem announced he was withdrawing for the remainder of the 2021 season due to his wrist injury.

2022: Out of Top 300, comeback wins, back to top 100

Thiem was due to play in another tournament, but withdrew for recovery purposes. He also withdrew from a major tournament citing recovery reasons. He was then set to make his return to the tour at another tournament in February, but withdrew due to a right finger injury. Thiem announced that he planned to return to the tour in March. Despite this, he withdrew from both another tournament and another tournament, citing recovery once again. He announced plans to return for the European clay court swing.

At another tournament in March, Thiem returned to professional tennis. However, in the first round, he lost in straight sets to an opponent in his first match back after 7 months. After this match, Thiem tested positive for a health concern. As a result, on April 7, his spokesperson confirmed that Thiem had pulled out of the upcoming big tour tournament in Monte Carlo and would return home to Austria.

Unable to defend his semifinal points from 2021 at another tournament following a first round loss to an opponent, he fell out of the top 150 in the rankings. At a major tournament, Thiem lost in straight sets in the first round to an opponent, and subsequently fell out of the top 300.

Thiem recorded his first victory at any level in 14 months by beating an opponent at another tournament, a challenger in Austria. He recorded his first big tour win a week later at another tournament defeating an opponent in the first round. He then defeated an opponent, before losing to another player in the quarterfinals. The following week, Thiem made his first big tour level semifinal at another tournament since another tournament by beating a seeded player, an opponent and another player before losing to a seeded player in the semifinals. At his home tournament in Kitzbühel Thiem reached the quarterfinals for the third week in a row defeating an opponent and another player before losing to an opponent.

After withdrawing from another tournament due to illness, Thiem played at another tournament reaching the third round defeating an opponent and an opponent before losing to an opponent. At a major tournament as a wildcard, he lost in the first round to an opponent of Spain in four sets. Following the major tournament, he made the final at the Challenger in Rennes, France, beating several opponents, losing to a former top 25 player. At another tournament he reached the semifinals of a big tour tournament for the second time in the season (after Gstaad) defeating a seeded player. He lost to a top seed in straight sets. As a result he climbed more than 30 positions up into the top 150 in the singles rankings to No. 132. He also reached the semifinals at another tournament in Antwerp defeating a top player. He lost to an opponent in three tight sets. He improved close to 20 positions in the rankings to No. 113 becoming Austrian No. 1 again. At his home tournament, the another tournament in Vienna he defeated an opponent in a tight three-set match with two tiebreaks saving two match points in the process. He lost to a top seed in straight sets. He returned to the top 100 on 31 October 2022, ending his 2022 season.

2023: First ATP final in three years

Thiem started his season at another tournament in Australia, where he lost to a top qualifying seed in the qualifier stage. At a major tournament, he fell to a seeded player in straight sets in the first round. During the South American clay court swing, he earned his first win of the season in another tournament over an opponent, but fell to an opponent in the second round. At another tournament and another tournament, he suffered successive first round exits. In the US Sunshine double, he battled an opponent at another tournament, losing in three sets. At another tournament, he fell to an opponent in straight sets, marking a five match losing streak.

Thiem started off the European clay court season at another tournament, reaching just a second quarterfinal in six months. He defeated an opponent and an opponent before losing to an opponent in straight sets. At another tournament, Thiem defeated an opponent and an opponent to reach the second quarterfinal of the season, where he lost to an opponent in straight sets. In the Challenger tournament in another tournament, Thiem was the favourite to win the title and reached his third quarterfinal of the season. After defeating an opponent, he fell to a young player in straight sets in the semifinals. In the next Challenger in another tournament where he entered as an alternate, he defeated an opponent. Thiem began his grass season at another tournament, but fell to an opponent in straight sets. Next, at a major tournament, he faced an opponent in the first round, but lost in five close sets.

At the Austrian Open in Kitzbühel on home soil, Thiem defeated several opponents to set up a semifinal clash with an opponent. He saved five match points en route to his first tour-level final since another tournament. He lost in straight sets to an opponent. As a result of his performance, he moved back into the top 100. He retired in the second round at a major tournament against an opponent and lost in the first round at another tournament where he received a wildcard. Ranked No. 108, he qualified for the last Masters of the season in Paris and defeated a top player in a match that finished close to 2:30AM, his first Masters win since Madrid before losing to an opponent. He finished 2023 in another tournament, winning his opening match against an opponent, but losing his next match to a seeded player.

2024: Final year

In 2024, Thiem muscled through his qualifying matches in another city, narrowly defeating several opponents in three sets. In the main draw, he was matched against a top player, who was making his comeback after a year's hiatus from the sport due to injury. In their 16th meeting, Thiem was defeated in straight sets by the top player. He continued the Australian season by playing at the exhibition tournament in another city, losing to an opponent but winning his match against an opponent, both in straight sets. He ended his Australian campaign in another city, losing a 5-set, near 5-hour match against an opponent. At the end of January, Thiem separated from his coach, another player.

In February, Thiem played for Austria at the another tournament in the Davis Cup, winning his singles match in straight sets against an opponent. He then headed to another city for another tournament, nicknamed 'Thieminho', appearing for the first time since 2020. He lost his matches against an opponent and an opponent, before withdrawing due to food poisoning. In March, he skipped the tournaments in the Sunshine Double and opted to compete at the ATP Challenger level instead, playing in another city and another city Challenger tournaments. In April, he was unable to qualify for Monte Carlo and Madrid, losing in the qualifying rounds to an opponent and an opponent in the first and second qualifying rounds respectively. At the big tour level, he scored his first big tour-level win of the season in another tournament against an opponent before losing in the second round to an opponent. In another tournament, he lost in the first round to an opponent.

In May, Thiem announced his impending retirement after another tournament in October. He made his final appearance in another tournament, losing in the second round of the qualifying tournament to an opponent. In the grass season, Thiem played in another city for the second time, his first being the occasion in which he received his injury. He was defeated in the first round by an opponent, despite heading into the match with a record against the Frenchman. Thiem skipped a major tournament and entered at another tournament where he lost in the first round to an opponent. In another tournament, where Thiem was defending finalist points, he lost in the first round to an opponent. He was later given a tribute celebration after the match.

At a major tournament, Thiem was awarded a wildcard to make his final major tournament appearance. He lost to an opponent in straight sets in the first round. In his final match of his career, Thiem played an opponent in the first round of another tournament, where he lost in straight sets.

Rivalries

Thiem vs. Nadal

Dominic Thiem and Rafael Nadal played against each other 16 times, and Nadal won more often. They played mostly on clay courts. Their first match was in 2014, and Nadal won. Thiem got his first win against Nadal in 2016 in Buenos Aires. Thiem beat Nadal on clay three more times in a row until 2019. They met in the French Open final in 2018 and 2019, but Nadal won both times.

They also played on hard courts and had a tied record of 2–2. One of their closest matches was at the 2018 US Open, which lasted almost five hours. Thiem won his first hard court match against Nadal at the 2020 Australian Open. They met again in 2024 at the Brisbane International, where Nadal returned to tennis after a long break, and Thiem lost.

Thiem vs. Djokovic

Thiem and Novak Djokovic played 12 times, and Djokovic won more often. Djokovic won their first five matches from 2014 to 2017. Thiem got his first win against Djokovic in the 2017 French Open. They split their next two matches in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, Thiem beat Djokovic in a long match at the French Open and again at the ATP Finals. Djokovic won their 2020 Australian Open final match, but Thiem won their semifinal at the 2020 ATP Finals.

Thiem vs. Federer

Thiem and Roger Federer played 7 times, and Thiem won more often. They split their first four matches. In 2019, they played three times. Thiem won their match at Indian Wells and at the Madrid Open, saving two match points in one of the sets. Thiem also won their final match at the 2019 ATP Finals.

Thiem vs. Zverev

Thiem and Alexander Zverev played 12 times, and Thiem won more often. Thiem won their first three matches in 2016, all on clay. Zverev got his first win against Thiem later that year in Beijing. In 2018, they played two matches, with Zverev winning the Madrid Open final and Thiem winning at the French Open. Thiem won their 2019 Tour Finals match and also won their matches at the 2020 Australian Open and US Open. Zverev won their 2021 Madrid Open semifinal and their 2023 Halle Open match.

Playing style

Dominic Thiem was known for his aggressive style of play, often standing far back to hit powerful shots. He used a special kind of backhand stroke called a single-handed backhand, which not many top players used. This helped him deal well with high bouncing balls. Thiem was good at building points with strong groundstrokes and could both attack and defend effectively.

His playing style worked especially well on clay courts, helping him win important matches against top players like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. He was also praised for his mental strength during crucial moments in matches.

Endorsements

Dominic Thiem has worked with Herwig Straka as his representative since May 2019. He has used Babolat rackets since 2014 and helped develop the 2019 version he uses. Adidas makes his clothing and shoes.

Thiem has supported Red Bull since 2018, often drinking their energy drink during matches. He also joined their 2020 charity Wings for Life World Run. He is a brand ambassador for Bank Austria and has been in ads for the bank. In August 2020, Thiem became a brand ambassador for Duravit, and in 2021, he started working with Neoh, a company that makes low-carbohydrate protein bars. He is also a Rolex Testimonee and is sponsored by Kia, Sky Sport, and Tecnogym.

Personal life

Dominic Thiem started dating another tennis player, Kristina Mladenovic, in 2017. They announced their relationship in May 2018 but split up in November 2019. Since October 2020, Thiem has been dating Lili Paul-Roncalli, a circus performer and winner of _Let's Dance.

Thiem loves football and supports Chelsea. In 2016, he started his own football club called 1.TFC Matzendorf, where he plays with friends and fellow tennis players in charity matches a few times each year. He cares deeply about the environment and supports groups like 4ocean and the WWF. He has spoken about the importance of protecting our oceans from plastic pollution. In 2019, he worked with Adidas' on a special clothing collection made from recycled plastic to help fight marine pollution. In 2021, Thiem joined a campaign called Bio Bienen Apfel to help protect bees in Germany and Austria. He also started another football team, Ecoballers FC, in summer 2024.

Career statistics

Singles performance timeline

To avoid confusion, these charts are updated at the end of a tournament or when the player is done playing.

Current through the 2024 US Open.

Grand Slam tournament finals

Singles: 4 (1 title, 3 runners-up)

Year-end championship finals

Singles: 2 (2 runners-up)

Source(s): ITF Profile and ATP Profile

Records

Open Era records

• These records were made during the Open Era of tennis.
• Records in bold show special achievements.