Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem, who won the 2020 title in an empty stadium due to COVID-19, exits his final grand slam tournament after a loss to Ben Shelton

Dominic Thiem‘s illustrious Grand Slam career came to a close at the 2024 US Open, where the former champion was defeated in the first round by Ben Shelton. The 30-year-old Austrian, who reached a career-high ranking of world number three and won his only major title at the 2020 US Open, announced earlier this year that 2024 would be his final season on the professional tour.

Thiem’s match against Shelton ended in a straight-sets loss, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2, on the very court where he achieved his greatest career success. Despite the disappointing result, Thiem was met with warm applause from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, a moment he cherished given the absence of fans during his 2020 victory due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In an emotional post-match ceremony, Thiem was presented with a framed collage of his best US Open moments. Reflecting on his career, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in front of the crowd this time around, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of his 2020 triumph.

“It’s actually a really important moment for me because I had the greatest success of my career here on this court, in a weird 2020 in very strange and different circumstances,” Thiem told the crowd. “Unfortunately I had this success without any of you, so that was an amazing moment, but on the other hand pretty sad. I’m super happy that I got the chance to play my last US Open and I can spend some time with you guys, just to say thank you and to make the time up from what we missed four years ago.”

Thiem, who also reached two French Open finals and the Australian Open final in 2020, plans to retire after competing in his home tournament in Vienna in October. Despite retiring at a relatively young age for a tennis player, Thiem expressed contentment with his career achievements, highlighting his victories over the sport’s “Big Three”—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

“I’m here now retiring pretty young, but I’m really happy with the career I had,” Thiem said. “I never expected that it’s going to be that successful, so I don’t have really any regrets, and I’m good with that. I think that the thing I will miss the most is the feeling after winning a great match—it’s not really comparable to anything else.”

Elsewhere on the opening day of the US Open, German fourth seed Alexander Zverev overcame a second-set scare to defeat compatriot Maximilian Marterer, while last year’s finalist Casper Ruud of Norway cruised past China’s Bu Yunchaokete. Italy’s Matteo Berrettini also advanced, setting up a clash with American 12th seed Taylor Fritz.

The tournament saw some notable upsets, including American Brandon Nakashima’s victory over 15th seed Holger Rune and China’s Shang Juncheng’s five-set win over 27th seed Alexander Bublik. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman, who plans to retire next year, was defeated by France’s Gael Monfils.

As the first round unfolds, the tournament promises more drama and excitement, even as it marks the end of an era for players like Thiem who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Analysis

Sporting Perspective: Thiem’s exit from the US Open and the end of his Grand Slam career mark a poignant moment in tennis. His 2020 US Open victory, achieved in extraordinary circumstances, remains a testament to his resilience and skill. Thiem’s career, highlighted by his battles with the sport’s legends, serves as an inspiration for future generations. His retirement, though premature, reflects the physical and mental toll that top-level tennis can exert on players, particularly when dealing with serious injuries.

Cultural Perspective: Thiem’s story is one of triumph and adversity, symbolizing the highs and lows of professional sports. His journey, from winning his first Grand Slam in an empty stadium to bidding farewell in front of a supportive crowd, underscores the importance of fan interaction in sports. The contrast between his 2020 victory and his final match highlights the emotional impact that fans have on athletes, making this final chapter in his career both a celebration and a reflection on what could have been.

Psychological Perspective: The psychological aspect of Thiem’s career, particularly his battle with injuries and the decision to retire, sheds light on the mental challenges faced by athletes. His contentment with his career, despite an early retirement, demonstrates a healthy perspective on success and fulfilment. Thiem’s reflections on his career suggest that he has found peace with his achievements, a critical factor in the well-being of retired athletes.

Educational Perspective: Thiem’s career offers valuable lessons for aspiring athletes, particularly in terms of perseverance, adaptability, and managing expectations. His ability to overcome setbacks, such as his wrist injury, and his eventual decision to retire on his own terms, serve as important examples of how athletes can navigate the pressures of professional sports. His story can be used to teach young athletes about the importance of mental resilience and the value of setting realistic goals.