The tennis world was left in shock when Dominic Thiem announced his retirement due to a wrist injury. Tributes poured in from fellow players on Instagram, with Ben Shelton and Diego Schwartzman’s messages standing out.
Ben Shelton, who had faced Thiem on the court, expressed his admiration for the Austrian player, calling him “one of the best to ever do it.” Despite their on-court rivalry, Shelton’s respect for Thiem remained unwavering.
Fabio Fognini also paid tribute to Thiem with a heart emoji, reminiscing about their intense matches over the years. However, it was Diego Schwartzman’s heartfelt message that truly touched fans’ hearts.
Schwartzman, who had a close friendship with Thiem despite their on-court battles, thanked his friend for the years of camaraderie and competition. He expressed his emotions in a touching comment on Thiem’s retirement announcement, highlighting their bond both on and off the court.
In a surprising turn of events, Schwartzman proposed a doubles match with Thiem at the Vienna Open in October. Whether this friendly challenge materializes remains to be seen, but fans are hopeful to see Thiem back on the court giving his best.
As the tennis community reflects on Thiem’s career, his impact on the sport is undeniable. Fans are eager to see how he will continue to inspire and entertain as he navigates this new chapter in his life.