Djokovic comes to Thiem's rescue: "I really like Dominic".

© AFP

Elio Valotto

le 10/05/2024 à 11h34

2 min to read

Djokovic Roland Garros Thiem Vienne Zverev

As rumors of Dominic Thiem's early retirement continue to multiply, Novak Djokovic spoke out on the subject in a press conference.

Indeed, the former world No. 3 and US Open 2020 winner is experiencing a chaotic end to his career. After many seasons at the top of the world game (never once leaving the world's top 10 between June 2016 and November 2021), Thiem is no longer coping. Victim of a burn-out during the Covid-19 epidemic, then suffering a serious wrist injury, 'Dominator' is no longer able to string together victories. At a time when all the experts saw him winning numerous Grand Slams and becoming Rafael Nadal's worthy successor on clay (4 semi-finals and 2 Porte d'Auteuil finals between 2016 and 2019, beaten three out of four times by Rafa), the 30-year-old is now just a shadow of his former self.

While he has announced that the 2024 season could be his last chance, the signals are looking less and less good as Dominic's brother and manager has announced that the latter will be speaking at the end of the week. After making most fans of the little yellow ball dream by dominating the world's greatest players (beating Djokovic 5 times, Nadal 6 times and Federer 5 times), the man who is one of the most beloved players on the circuit could well retire in Vienna next October.

Asked about this possible sad news, 'Nole', who has had several epic duels with the Austrian player, was keen to defend the two-time French Open finalist: "I love Dominic very much, he's an extraordinary player. All of us, as tennis fans and colleagues, hope he can get back to the level he was at, because it was always very exciting to see him play. When I think of him, I remember his spectacular shots, his incredible one-handed backhand, his forehands and his power. I think he's a great example of someone who never gives up after the tough times he's had and still has with all his injuries, trying to get back to the level he was when he was winning Grand Slams and really on top of the world. It's been a few years now that he's been struggling to climb the rankings and get back to his level of tennis. I really feel for him and wish him all the best. [...] I hope he can stay and play as long as possible, because he's a really important player for our sport." (comments relayed by Punto de Break).