Dominic Thiem fans pay tribute to retiring tennis star after bombshell announcement - 'So sad'

Tennis fans have been left saddened after Dominic Thiem announced he'd be retiring from the sport later this year.

The 30-year-old won the US Open back in 2020 and has reached three other Grand Slam finals over the years, too.

Yet Thiem is now set to walk away from the sport, with wrist issues forcing him to call time on his career. He announced the news by saying: "It is a very important, very sad, very beautiful message that this season will be my last one.

Dominic Thiem has announced he'll be retiring from tennis later this year INSTAGRAM/GETTY "There are some reasons behind it: firstly, of course, my wrist. It is not exactly the way it should be and how I want it. "The second reason is my inner feeling: I have been thinking about this decision for a very long time." He added: "I've had success and trophies which I never dreamt of. It was an incredible journey. "In 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." And tennis fans have now taken to social media to express their sorrow at Thiem's retirement.

​"So sad for him, but understandable. I hope he can find purpose and joy as he moves on," said one user. "He is/was one of my favourite players. I supported him for many years. He had beautiful moments and sad moments too and for sure he deserved a better ending. Good luck with everything @domithiem!" said a second. A third stated: "So happy for him! I am sure it feels very relieving, I will be there watching you one last time in Vienna." A fourth said: "Wishing Dominic all the best for the future." Another reacted to the news by saying: "So sad. He was the prince of clay and beautiful to watch."

Dominic Thiem was on top of the world when he beat Alexander Zverev at the US Open back in 2020 GETTY Yet there's also a sense that, if it wasn't for his injury issues, he could have achieved even more. Thiem was seen as a player capable of replacing Rafael Nadal as the king of the French Open.

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