Every player encounters the day when he will leave his racquet on the court forever. No matter how hard it is to say goodbye, colleagues and opponents come forward tributing the player for their achievement. Austria’s Dominic Thiem had a similar moment when he received special messages from his colleagues and rivals, the Tennis Big Three. In a rare moment of camaraderie, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic share their feelings for the ATP star showing why deserves every bit of respect he is receiving.

Thiem received special recognition before bidding adieu to international tennis at the end of the 2024 season. This 30-year-old Austrian player decided to retire due to a wrist injury. After turning pro in 2011, Thiem earned 17 career titles in his decade-long professional endeavor. However, all good things come to an end! In May, he decided to announce his retirement on social media. “Hello everybody. I have to tell you a very important, very sad, but very beautiful message that the season 2024 is going to be my last one, I  am going to finish my career at the end of the season,” he said in a video he posted.

Thiem cleared that he had been thinking about it for long. Now that his retirement is almost knocking on the door, he received the Lotterien Sporthilife Gala 2024’s Lifetime Achievement Award presented by David Alba, the team captain of the Austrian soccer team.

Thiem received another surprise with this award. When he was presented with the recognition, the background screen showcased messages from the Tennis Big Three in a pre-recorded video.”Hey Domi, how are you doing I just want to congratulate you for this lifetime achievement award, very well deserved, very happy for you, you know how much I admire you, and respect you so I wish you all the best, enjoy tonight and see ya around,” said the Mallorcan legend in a heartwarming compliment.

Djokovic also thanked the Austrian player for all he has given to the tennis fraternity. He felt delighted hearing that Thiem would finish his professional career at the Vienna Open this October. “I wish you a great tournament, with all family members present and celebrate it, you deserve it my friend, all the best,” Djokovic concluded.

On the other hand, Federer chose to congratulate his friend in German. “Tennis will miss you very, Very much, “ he said. Federer, Djokovic and Nadal’s messages for the Austrian highlighted his legacy in the sport. Now, it is not a mere deal to receive such compliments from the GOATs. However, given Dominic’s incredible career, he deserved the acknowledgment.

While Thiem is prepared for retirement, he revealed missing the excitement of participating and winning Grand Slam titles. After exiting the 2024 American Slam against Ben Shelton in the first round, this former US Open champion had a rather emotional confession about his career.

Dominic Thiem shares interesting thoughts in his candid moment about retirement

Thiem might be retiring soon but deep down he has a heavy heart. After playing his career’s last Grand Slam in the Flushing Meadows, Thiem offered an interesting thought. “I think that the thing I will miss the most is the feeling after winning a great match, it’s not really comparable to anything else, You don’t really get this feeling, in my case, in life outside of tennis, because it’s like, a real high. It’s like being on drugs a little bit, I guess,” he said. Thiem’s statement highlighted his hunger to win tournaments.

He exclaimed his thoughts about winning the Slam in 2020 with the presence of a handful of people. Since it was the COVID-19 pandemic, not many attendees could witness his victory. However, the way his supporters greeted him at his last US Open match with their presence he felt compensated.

Dominic Thiem’s tennis journey has been incredible. Despite ups and downs, his resilience has been an inspiration for many. Now, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic’s heartwarming message proves what a celebrated player he is and will be even after his retirement. Do you think so too?