Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, is not afraid to address the topic of mental health in tennis. In a recent interview, he shared his perspective on the emotional rollercoaster that tennis players go through during the season. Thiem emphasized that it is normal for players to experience a wide range of emotions and states while competing at the highest level.
For years, Thiem was considered one of the top players in the sport, but he struggled to clinch a Grand Slam title due to the dominance of the Big Three. The pressure of not winning a major title weighed heavily on his mind. Despite reaching two French Open finals against Rafael Nadal and narrowly losing to Novak Djokovic in the 2020 Australian Open final, Thiem persevered and finally captured his first Grand Slam title at the 2020 US Open.
Just as Thiem was basking in the glory of his US Open victory and feeling relieved, tragedy struck. A wrist injury derailed his career and forced him to fight to regain his form. Unfortunately, the 31-year-old could not return to his previous level of play and has made the difficult decision to retire from professional tennis after the upcoming ATP event in Vienna.
In a candid interview with Tennis Majors, Thiem opened up about his struggles with mental health and depression. He acknowledged that many people battle with these issues throughout their lives and that the demanding lifestyle of professional tennis can exacerbate the problem. Thiem spoke about his efforts to achieve balance in his life and combat the challenges he faced on and off the court.
The last few seasons have been particularly tough for Thiem, as he also faced harsh criticism and abuse on social media. Despite the negative attention and calls for his retirement, Thiem turned to meditation and sought solace away from the public eye. Through self-reflection and introspection, he found ways to cope with the immense pressures of professional tennis.
As Thiem bids farewell to the sport he loves, his candid discussions about mental health and the challenges he faced serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing well-being in all aspects of life. His journey from aspiring champion to Grand Slam winner to retirement exemplifies the resilience and determination required to succeed in the demanding world of professional tennis.
