WATCH: Dominic Thiem shares a laugh with girlfriend Lili Paul-Roncalli over shiny retirement trophy, poses with family at emotional Kitzbuhel farewell
Dominic Thiem received an emotional farewell at the 2024 Austrian Open Kitzbuhel following his 2-6, 4-6 first-round loss to Thiago Agustin Tirante at the ATP 250 claycourt event on Tuesday, July 23. Thiem's family and girlfriend were alongside him to soak in the special atmosphere as the former World No. 3 said his goodbyes to the tournament in his native Austria.
Thiem established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour in 2016, breaking into the top 10. Over the next few years, he became a fearsome opponent, thanks to his aggressive style of play and signature one-handed backhand.
His career highlight came at the 2020 US Open, where he won his maiden and only Major. However, the Austrian has struggled to rediscover his best form after sustaining a career-altering right wrist injury at the 2021 Mallorca Championships. Earlier this year, the Austrian announced that the ongoing tennis season would mark his last as a player.
At the Austrian Open Kitzbuhel, Thiem's struggles were on display again, as he was thoroughly outplayed by the 23-year-old Agustin Tirante. However, despite the Argentine's fine win, the day belonged to Thiem, as the 2019 winner of the tournament was lauded for his contributions to tennis.
There were some laughs along the way as well, as the Austrian, along with girlfriend Lili Paul-Roncalli, giggled over the shiny farewell trophy that Thiem was awarded.
Watch the moment unfold below:
Thiem also watched a special video that was made in honor of his achievements in tennis.
Dominic Thiem laid bare the two reasons behind his decision to retire at the end of the season in an official announcement in May
In early May, reports started swirling in Austria suggesting that Thiem had made his mind up about retiring and would not play beyond this season. Within a few days, Thiem officially confirmed the reports via a video on social media. The Austrian revealed the two reasons that played pivotal roles in his decision; his wrist and his "inner feeling".
"Hello everybody, I have to tell you a very important, very sad but also a very beautiful message. The season 2024 is going to be my last one. I'm going to finish my career at the end of this season and there are some reasons behind it. Firstly of course, my wrist, it's not exactly the way it should be and it's not exactly the way how I want it. The second reason is my inner feeling. I was thinking about this decision for a very long time, I was thinking very carefully about it," Thiem said.
The former World No. 3 went on to write that he had no regrets about his tennis career, as he believes that what he achieved was much more than what he had ever dreamed of.
"Of course I was also thinking about my whole journey as a tennis player which was incredible. I had success, I won trophies I really never dreamt of. So the journey was really incredible, all the ups and downs, it was incredible experience which I am so thankful for. But at the end, I came to the conclusion that this decision to end my career at the end of this season is the only right one. I am very happy with it and I am also super excited for everything that's coming next," Thiem added.
In addition to the 2020 US Open men's singles title, Thiem also won 16 other titles on the ATP Tour. The Austrian also finished as the runner-up at the 2018 and 2019 French Open, the 2020 Australian Open, and the 2019 and 2020 Nitto ATP Finals.