It seemed like no answer was going to come, but in the end it arrived: Dominic Thiem received a big surprise, receiving a special message from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic while receiving the Lotterien Sporthilife Gala, a Lifetime Achievement Award.
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The Big 3 spent important words for him with praise for his career and all wanted to underline the contribution that Thiem has given to the world of tennis.
Below is the video message:
"I invited Federer, Nadal and Djokovic to my farewell party. No one has contacted me yet," said Thiemin recent days, also with a hint of bitterness (and without mincing words), as he approaches his farewell to tennis scheduled from 21 to 27 October at the ATP 500 tournament in Vienna. The Austrian tennis player had given an interview to his country's media Heute and had also spoken about this situation, but in the end the surprise arrived.
The farewell party for the Austrian tennis player will take place in Vienna on 20 October: on the Sunday before the tournament, Thiem will play an exhibition set against Alexander Zverev, his opponent in the 2020 final in New York, the first and only Slam won in his career by the Austrian tennis player. The 2020 US Open winner will most likely play his first-round match in Vienna on Tuesday, which could be his last match unless he wins.
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In the interview, Thiem says he is happy that the circle is now closed and there will also be relief. He then adds: "The last few months have been a rollercoaster ride. I want to play at a good level in Vienna. That spark of ambition is still there."
About what will Thiem's life be like after retiring, the Austrian explained:"I want to do less, I want to give back to the planet."
And he will follow the family academy: "For me it is a big goal to increase the chances that young players follow a path like mine. My path has been sensational, both on a sporting and personal level. I have traveled quite a bit. But I think I can help from Austria. Tennis is one of the loneliest sports there is."
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It remains to be seen whether Federer, Djokovic or Nadal will also be present in Vienna during the tournament week.
