With retirement just a few months away, Thiem is serene: "I've had a really great career".
It's bound to be one of the great moments of the season. At just 30 years of age, Dominic Thiem is about to say goodbye to professional tennis.
As such, each of the tournaments he takes part in is emotionally charged, as 'Domi' is about to embark on a veritable farewell tour.
Although disappointing for many fans, the Austrian being one of the most beloved players on the tennis planet, Thiem doesn't seem to be afraid of what's coming.
I've had a great career, I've always put a lot of passion into it and I've given it my all, but now that I've announced my retirement, I'm very happy, because I've been relieved of a lot of stress.
I'd say it's a very emotional year, because Diego (Schwartzman) and I have announced our retirement. Rafa (Nadal) and Andy (Murray) are probably also coming to the end of their careers and that's very emotional."
Looking back on his career, the Austrian insisted on his physical strength. Although he has been plagued by a serious injury for a number of years - an injury which ultimately cost him his career - the former world No. 3 was keen to point out that he had not suffered any serious injury up to that point: "Luckily, I had my first major injury three years ago.
Before that, I'd been lucky with my body and that's what has carried me so high.
Nadal and Juan Martin Del Potro had already suffered injuries when they were very young, so it's very inspiring to see how they've come back so often. I
t's been a great source of inspiration and I've tried to give it my best shot."
