Dominic Thiem’s tennis profession got here to an finish as he misplaced to Luciano Darderi within the first spherical of the Vienna Open.
Former world quantity three Thiem, who gained the Vienna title in 2019, was crushed 7-6 (8-6) 6-2 by Italian Darderi.
Austria’s former US Open champion introduced final week that he would retire after his dwelling match.
Following his defeat to world quantity 42 Darderi, the group held up playing cards displaying the Austrian flag and the message ‘Danke Dominic’ (‘Thanks Dominic’).
Thiem, 31, gave an on-court speech earlier than inserting his racquet in a glass case, to be auctioned to lift funds for charity.
“I’ve had so many good goodbyes in the previous few months, however immediately I wish to say thanks for all of the sensational years,” mentioned Thiem.
“I’m solely part of this profession. The entire journey has been an absolute dream. I could not have imagined it any higher.”
A ceremony was additionally held in Vienna on Sunday, together with Thiem enjoying an exhibition set in opposition to Alexander Zverev, the participant he beat to win the 2020 US Open.
Thiem gained 17 titles at ATP Tour stage throughout his profession. He was a French Open finalist in 2018 and 2019 and runner-up on the Australian Open in 2020.
He additionally claimed necessary wins over the entire ‘Huge Three’ – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Nevertheless, lower than a 12 months after his New York triumph, Thiem suffered a wrist damage that stored him off the tour for 10 months and resulted in his rating plummeting to exterior the highest 350.
Thiem returned to the highest 100 final 12 months however has been unable to search out his greatest recreation and confirmed in Could that this season can be his final.
