“Just one of the nicest guys on the tour,” Novak Djokovic praises Dominic Thiem for being an example to many players

Novak Djokovic praises Dominic Thiem for his exemplary character on the court after the Austrian bid farewell to the US Open.

“Just one of the nicest guys on the tour,” Novak Djokovic praises Dominic Thiem for being an example to many players

Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic (via Imago)

Novak Djokovic has stated that Dominic Thiem is a great example for other players after the Austrian played his final US Open match on Monday (August 26). Thiem, who won the US Open in 2020, had announced earlier in the season that this is his final year on the ATP Tour.

Before arriving for the US Open, Thiem was struggling with his game and was on a four-match losing streak. He last won a match in the qualifying round of the French Open but eventually failed to make it into the main draw in Paris. His last main draw win came at the Estoril Open in April.

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Thiem, who entered the US OPenmain draw thanks to a wildcard, was no match for Ben Shelton in the first round, with the American beating him in straight sets. After the defeat, the 30-year-old was given a befitting farewell by the organizers and fans.

Djokovic, who has good experience facing Thiem having played him 12 times over the years and winning seven, lauded him for his stellar career. The Serbian stated that the former World No. 3’s career is a good example to many players.

So just one of the nicest guys on the tour for many years. He's been respected. He's been admired. He's been loved by his peers, by colleagues, by everyone on the tour. Of course, fans. He put in so much work over the years, and I think he was a great example for many players that see what's happening, so to say, behind the scenes. He always puts in the extra work, and the tenacity and intensity that he brings on and off the court in everything he does is something really remarkable.
Novak Djokovic said at a US Open press conference

On the other hand, Shelton’s win over Thiem secured his spot in the second round of the US Open. The American will play Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut next.

Dominic Thiem admits he is supper happy to bid farewell to US Open crowd after defeat to Ben Shelton

Dominic Thiem admitted that he was supper happy for the chance to say goodbye to the US Open crowd. The Austrian, who made a quick exit after losing 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 to American Ben Shelton, was happy to play his final US Open match at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Dominic Thiem (via Imago)

The Austrian, who turns 31 next week, had won the US Open in 2020 by beating Alexander Zverev in a five-set thriller. It was the fourth Grand Slam final of his career, having lost in the French Open final twice and once at the Australian Open.

After his loss against Shelton, Thiem recalled the epic victory which eventually led to his only Grand Slam title.

In that weird 2020, in strange and different circumstances. I had this success here. It was an amazing moment but on the other hand a bit sad, so I am super happy I got the chance to play my last US Open match on this court.
Dominic Thiem said via ATP

Thiem’s form drastically fell after sustaining a wrist injury in July 2021. When he returned to action, he could never regain the strength he previously had with his powerful forehand and struggled to find his best rhythm.

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