Dominic Thiem confirms retirement rumors, plans to end career after 2024 season

Dominic Thiem confirmed rumors that he planned to retire from tennis on Friday, releasing a video statement explaining his decision to end his career at the end of the year.

“I want to tell you a very important, very sad, but also very beautiful message: the 2024 season is going to be my last one. I’m going to finish my career with the end of this season,” he said.

“There are some reasons behind it. Firstly, of course, my wrist is not exactly the way it should be and it’s not exactly how I wanted. The second reason is my inner feeling. I was thinking about this decision for a very long time. I was thinking very carefully about it.

“Of course, I was also thinking about the whole journey as a tennis player, which was incredible. I’ve had success, I’ve won trophies I’ve never dreamt of. The journey was incredible, all the ups and downs. It was an incredible experience which I’m so thankful for.

“But in the end, I came to the conclusion that this decision to end my career by the end of this season is the only right one.”

A former world No. 3, Thiem reached three major finals before lifting his first Grand Slam trophy at the 2020 US Open, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in five sets. But from that peak, the Austrian endured numerous injury struggles, most often with his right wrist.

Thiem first set off rumors of his plans to retire at the end of March, when he released a solemn video on social media confirming that he suffering from renewed wrist issues ahead of the clay court season.

Further rumors surfaced at the start of this week with reports that the 30-year-old would play his final tournament at home in Vienna.

"I really like Dominic,” Novak Djokovic said of Thiem during his Media Day press conference on Wednesday. “I think he's a great example of somebody who never gives up after the difficult time he had and still has with injuries, trying to work his way back to the level where he was when he was winning Grand Slams and being in top of the world.

"We are all hoping as tennis fans and colleagues of his that he can find the level because he was always very exciting to watch. Spectacular shots, incredible one-handed backhand, forehands, so much power and intensity he brings on the court."

Thiem, who has not specified exactly where he will play his final tournament, played his most recent match at the Mutua Madrid Open, losing in qualifying to Thanasi Kokkinakis.