Dominic Thiem has joined the Austrian military as part of the country's mandatory national service, but will keep playing on the tour.
"I am delighted to welcome Austria's biggest hope in the sport of tennis in the army. Dominic Thiem will continue as an army athlete in his meteoric career," said Defence and Sport Minister Gerald Klug in a press release.
As an Austrian citizen, the 21-year-old must be enrolled in the armed forces for six months. The world No. 39 will be in training when not playing tournaments.