“He’s a very important player for our sport,” Novak Djokovic offers high praise to Dominic Thiem as rumors suggest the Austrian might be retiring this year

A streak of retirement news has promised a bittersweet year for tennis fans.

“He’s a very important player for our sport,” Novak Djokovic offers high praise to Dominic Thiem as rumors suggest the Austrian might be retiring this year

Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem (Via Imago/X)

Dominic Thiem is often hailed as the Prince of Clay, as he got the better of the ‘Big three’ multiple times on the surface. So, if there is a rumor suggesting his retirement, it is bound to spread fast. This happened yesterday, with many sources saying he will play his last professional tournament at home in Vienna. The rumors reached Rome, where Novak Djokovic was asked about this by the media.

The Serbian member of the ‘Big three’ was asked what he thinks about these rumors and also about his rivalry with Thiem. He refused to acknowledge the rumors as Thiem himself has not openly announced anything, but proceeded to heap praise on the Austrian.

Djokovic and Thiem, two giants of the game, have played each other 12 times and Thiem has fared extremely well against one of the best players of all time, winning 5 of those matches. Despite the intense rivalry, there seems to be no bad blood between the two and the mutual respect is always noticeable. 

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Unless he confirms it, I will not comment on the retirement because rumors are rumors. I can speak about him. First of all, a great guy, very good person, someone that has very good manners, good values, family man, somebody that always took time to say hello, always showed respect on the court, off the court.
Novak Djokovic via press conference in Rome

Djokovic also empathized with Thiem, mentioning a time when he found himself in a similar situation. He wishes the Austrian can reach his best level again and have a longer career on tour.

Of course, we all understand how difficult it is to come back. I mean, I was having an injury myself back in 2018, a major injury of the elbow, trying to work my way back. I know that kind of a feeling. --Hopefully he can stay, to play as long as he can, because he's also a very important player for our sport.
Novak Djokovic added

A year that will leave a massive void in the hearts of tennis fans!

2024 started off looking extremely positive for the future of tennis, with Jannik Sinner displaying scintillating tennis during the Australian swing. However, a streak of retirement news has promised a bittersweet year, and fans can’t hope but wonder how the tennis scene will look next year.

Dominic Thiem Rafael Nadal
Dominic Thiem and Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, has begun his farewell run after announcing earlier this year that it is likely his last on the tour. Following suit, Garbine Muguruza, another legend of Spanish tennis, announced that she is done playing tennis professionally without warning. 

Diego Schwartzman will be hanging up his racket at the Argentina Open next year, while Danielle Collins and other notable names also said they might be on the last leg of their careers. Rumors of Dominic Thiem’s potential retirement at the Vienna Open this year seem to add salt to the wound and the tennis world is shocked at all the sudden developments.

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