Thiem Reflects on Career Challenges as Grand Slam Journey Nears End

Dominic Thiem, once a rising star in tennis, faces a pivotal moment in his career as he approaches what may be his final Grand Slam tournament. At 30 years old and currently ranked 209th in the world, Thiem acknowledges the urgency of his situation, stating, “It was like now or never” during his recent match in New York. With only one win in eight ATP Tour matches this year, the former world No. 3 is grappling with the reality of his declining performance as he nears his 31st birthday on September 3. Thiem reflects on his journey through the sport, expressing gratitude for competing alongside legends like the Big Three—Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. He notes that he entered the top 100 later than most, which shaped his perspective on success. Despite his struggles, he recalls moments of belief and determination, particularly during his semifinal match against Djokovic, where he felt he could win. The Austrian's pursuit of a Grand Slam title has been fraught with near misses, including a painful loss at the 2020 Australian Open final, where he led Djokovic before ultimately falling short. Thiem's experience mirrors that of Andy Murray, who also faced multiple defeats in major finals before achieving success. As he contemplates his future, Thiem hopes to shed the pressure that has accompanied his past performances, aiming for a renewed sense of freedom on the court.