“If he’s willing to pay the price,” Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer should be the benchmark for 30-year-old Dominic Thiem, according to former ATP icon

Jimmy Connors believes that Dominic Thiem should look into Big Three legacy for hope of playing in his 30s.

“If he’s willing to pay the price,” Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer should be the benchmark for 30-year-old Dominic Thiem, according to former ATP icon

(L) Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray; (R) Dominic Thiem (Via Imago/X)

Last week, Austrian star Dominic Thiem hinted that this season could be his last if results don’t improve. Amid the player’s shocking decision, tennis legend Jimmy Connors believes that the 30-year-old can look to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic for inspiration.

The former US Open champion has been battered by injuries and poor results since his famous 2020 major title victory in New York. He has yet to get beyond the second round of a major tournament since last year. This season, he was eliminated in the first round of the Brisbane International and Australian Open and languishes at No.90 in the world ranking.

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Speaking on Advantage Connors Podcast, Jimmy Connors explained that Dominic Thiem should look at Federer, Nadal, & Djokovic playing well in their mid-30s as inspiration and give himself a chance to get back to his old level.

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If that was me and I know Dominic Thiem's not me, but I'm just saying if that was me, I would say I'm 30 years old in comparison looking at Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Fedder, you know, look at some of these guys. These guys who are playing well into their 30s, into their mid to late 30s, and what they've been able to accomplish.
Jimmy Connors

Connors added:

Dominic Thiem has a name, you know, still even though he has been hurt, he has his name and his reputation. Being 30, yes, it is worth it. You know, because he still has some time if he's willing to pay the price.

Tennis fans are hoping that the Austrian does not give up, as perhaps the tail end of his career may be greater than the beginning.

Dominic Thiem announced his decision to quit if result don’t change

Four years after winning his only major title, Dominic Thiem revealed that he is assessing his career to know whether continuing playing on is worth it. The 2020 US Open champion is yet to win a match this season, with a first-round exit in Brisbane International and the Australian Open.

Dominic Thiem
Dominic Thiem (Via Fox News)

I see this as my last chance. If I make it, it can happen quickly. I’ve been back for two years now since the injury, and I finished 2022 on 100 or so and last year on 98. If I finish the year on 100 again, you have to think about whether it’s still worth it.
Dominic Thiem via De Standard

The Austrian legend’s depleting form began in 2021, but hit rock bottom in 2022 when he was dropped out of the Top 300 in the ATP Live Ranking. However, he rose to Top-100 last year but is yet to win a title.

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