As he bids farewell to the French Open, Thiem thanks the fans: "Thank you for all the memories, they will last a lifetime"

Dominic Thiem has said farewell to the French Open. Beaten by Otta Virtanen (6-2, 7-5), the Austrian, twice a finalist at Porte d'Auteuil, will never set foot on Parisian clay again.

Following his defeat, a tribute ceremony was held in his honor. Addressing the large crowd who had turned out to support him, 'Domi' thanked his fans one last time: "Thank you for today, and also for two days ago. Playing the qualifiers on a full stadium like the Suzanne Lenglen, where I have so many fond memories, was a beautiful farewell to Roland-Garros.

Thank you to everyone who came to see me and gave me so much support.

I really have a special bond, a special relationship with this tournament. I've had so many good results, memories and experiences on these courts. I've enjoyed all the years here. I've had my best Grand Slam results here. I've enjoyed every year. Thank you so much for all the memories, they will last a lifetime."