The short match was also scheduled in memory of his greatest success, the 2020 US Open triumph in New York. Thiem had won against the German despite being 2-0 down, but was unable to celebrate a tournament victory after that.
“It’s a bit strange, but I’ve had long enough time to prepare for it,” said Thiem beforehand about his final farewell, which is now very soon. Thiem particularly thanked him because his tour friend Zverev took the time the day before his first tournament match (against Joel Schwärzler).
Zverev was very happy to say goodbye. “First and foremost, I’m losing a friend on the tour, but of course we also played the biggest matches together. But it’s a goodbye and not a goodbye,” said the German and expressed what many a Thiem fan is thinking: ” I hope that in a year or two he’ll get bored and come back on tour.”
Even though the 31-year-old from Lower Austria will probably make his last sporting appearance on Tuesday evening, there was plenty of time for Thiem’s farewell on Sunday evening outside of the ATP 500 tournament. In a one-shot cup, where only one point was played, Becker, Haas, Frances Tiafoe, Massu, Schlierenzauer and Co. could also be seen on the center court. Jack Draper took the win.
This was followed by the honor with a video review of his career, recordings of congratulations from Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Tournament boss Herwig Straka presented Thiem with a special trophy, and the celebrated person was able to feel like a tournament winner again in the rain of confetti.
“It was an incredible journey, the most important ones were you, opponents and friends, and it was always a joy to be with you. It means so much to me that you were there today,” said Thiem towards the tennis player. “I couldn’t have imagined a better last Sunday in Vienna. I hope I see many of you again on Tuesday,” said Thiem towards the audience. “It hurts incredibly that the journey is over, but it was a wonderful time.”
Thiem’s evening concluded with a dinner with friends and companions. There wasn’t much room for sadness that evening. “Nothing is coming to an end today, but when we get to Tuesday there is of course a lot of sadness,” he said.
ÖTV sports director Jürgen Melzer previously regretted his resignation in an ORF interview. “Tennis Austria is losing an absolute icon who has upheld the sport of tennis for almost a decade. He simply had the chance to win at every tournament he played.”
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2024-10-20 19:08:00