In a poignant display of respect and admiration, Swiss tennis maestro Roger Federer paid tribute to Dominic Thiem following the Austrian’s emotional farewell to the professional tennis circuit. Despite regularly falling victim to Thiem’s prowess on the court, Federer took to social media to express his heartfelt sentiments towards the talented player.
Reflecting on Thiem’s final showdown against Italy’s Luciano Darderi in the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, Federer acknowledged Thiem’s ability to conquer him on any surface with his powerful backhand strokes. “No matter the surface, you always found a way to beat me with your thunderous backhands,” Federer wrote on his Instagram post, hailing Thiem’s “illustrious career” while emphasizing the grace and sportsmanship he displayed in their encounters.
Thiem’s remarkable success against tennis giants like Federer, as well as the renowned Big 3, symbolized the pinnacle of his career. With five victories in seven meetings against Federer, including a memorable triumph in the Indian Wells final in 2019, Thiem captured his only ATP Masters 1000 title. Additionally, he secured the second-highest number of wins against Rafael Nadal on the clay court, trailing only behind Novak Djokovic.
Aside from Federer, other prominent players who wield a one-handed backhand, such as Stefanos Tsitsipas and Denis Shapovalov, also shared their admiration for Thiem as he bid farewell to the sport. Tsitsipas, who triumphed over Thiem at the 2019 ATP Finals, conveyed his sadness at seeing Thiem retire prematurely, while reminiscing about the battles they fought on the court and the camaraderie shared off it.
As Thiem’s retirement reverberated throughout the tennis community, tributes poured in from his fellow competitors, showcasing the impact he had made during his time on the court. With a legacy built on resilience, skill, and sportsmanship, Thiem’s departure marked the end of an era in the tennis world.
