Djokovic: "He's never been the same".
Dominic Thiem played his last Grand Slam match on Monday, against Ben Shelton.
Appearing to be a long way from the level that had taken him to the top for several years, the Austrian logically lost in three sets (6-4, 6-2, 6-2).
While he will officially retire in October, at the Vienna tournament, this premature end inevitably leaves a taste of unfinished business in the mouths of most followers.
Asked about this in a press conference, Novak Djokovic had some very complimentary words for the former world number 3: "He has put so much into himself over the years, and I think he has been an excellent example for many players who see what goes on, so to speak, behind the scenes.
He always goes the extra mile, and the tenacity and intensity he puts into everything he does on and off the court is truly remarkable.
It's really unfortunate that a player of his calibre, who was at the top of the world and a top 3 player for years, should suffer a wrist injury that has really put him on the back foot.
He was never the same player after that. It's a shame.
But, again, I think when he draws a line, he can certainly be happy with what he's achieved and he'll be remembered."
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