(Watch) Dominic Thiem receives emotional tribute from Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Published at :October 4, 2024 at 11:22 PM

Modified at :October 4, 2024 at 11:22 PM

Dominic Thiem had played his final grand slam match in US Open 2024.

Dominic Thiem could have not asked for a better retirement party as he turned emotional while accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lotterien Sporthilfe Gala 2024. He received tributes from his rivals, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. Thiem looked to be emotional as the legends of the sport praised his influence on the game.

Thiem could see the big three on the screen while he was on stage. He had shared an intense rivalry with Nadal especially on clay. The Spaniard said, ‘I just wanted to congratulate you for this lifetime achievement award. Very well deserved. Very happy for you. You know how much I admire and respect you.’

Dominic Thiem received a special message from Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, & Novak Djokovic ahead of his final tennis tournamentHe received the ‘Lotterien Sporthilife Gala Lifetime Achievement Award’The Big 3 have so much respect for him. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/3cvacxk29e
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 4, 2024

Djokovic too wished his friend and rival a happy retirement. He said,’Thank you very much for all that you have given to all of us, particularly tennis. I’m glad that you will have an opportunity to say goodbye in Vienna, one last dance.’ The 37 year old wished Thiem’s family members the best for the future.

Joining Nadal and Djokovic was Federer who had a special tribute to Thiem. The Swiss maestro spoke in German, saying ‘Dear Dominic, congratulations on the award and your life’s work. I enjoyed playing against you so much. Tennis will miss you very, very much.’ Federer went on to highlight their friendship on the tour and how much it meant to him.

Also Read: ‘The wrist broke because…’ – Dominic Thiem talks about facing the Big 3 and his career-ending injury

When and where did Dominic Thiem play his last grand slam match?

Thiem played in the grand slams for the final time in US Open 2024. The Austrian suffered a straight loss to Ben Shelton in the first round at Flushing Meadows after being offered a wildcard. He had made his grand slam main draw debut a decade back in the Australian Open. It was not the ending he deserved but a persistent wrist injury forced him to take the heartbreaking decision.

The 31 year old had been struggling on the ATP tour and could not bring back his old form. The injury restricted his movement which then led to him announcing his retirement from the game. Fans will be able to watch Thiem yield his one-handed backhand as he will play in his farewell event at home in Vienna, Austria.

The Erste Bank Open 2024 will be the venue where he bids goodbye to the tour and to the fans. The ATP 500 event played on the hardcourts at Vienna saw Thiem capturing the title in 2019. This time the former world No #3 will look to enjoy his time on the court in front of his home crowd.

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