Novak Djokovic responds to rumours former No 3 is set to join Rafael Nadal in retirement
Novak Djokovic has addressed reports claiming that Dominic Thiem could end his career this year.
Novak Djokovic refused to comment on rumours surrounding Dominic Thiem’s potential retirement without hearing the Austrian confirm the news himself. There have been reports that the former world No. 3 will follow Rafael Nadal in likely ending his career at the end of the season. While Djokovic didn’t want to address the retirement, he was happy to pile praise on his old rival.
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Thiem’s career could be drawing to a close, as several reports from Austria have claimed that the 30-year-old is preparing to retire on home soil at the Vienna Open in October, informing his sponsors of his decision. He has struggled for form since enjoying a career-best season in 2020, which saw him win his only Grand Slam title at the US Open.
The former world No. 3 injured his wrist at the 2021 Mallorca Championships and has never been the same since, struggling to rediscover his form since making a comeback the following year. With speculation over his retirement rife, Djokovic has had his say on the rumours.
“Well, I haven't heard of that. I mean, unless he confirms it, I will not comment on the retirement because rumours are rumours,” the world No. 1 stated ahead of the Italian Open. But he was open to reflecting on Thiem’s career.
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“I can speak about him,” he added. “First of all, a great guy, very good person, someone that has very good manners, good values, family man, somebody that always took time to say hello, always showed respect on the court, off the court.
“I really like Dominic. I think he's a great example of somebody who never gives up after the difficult time he had and still has with injuries, trying to work his way back to the level where he was when he was winning Grand Slams and being in top of the world.”
Addressing Thiem’s woes since getting injured three years ago, Djokovic continued: “Of course, we all understand how difficult it is to come back. I mean, I was having an injury myself back in 2018, a major injury of the elbow, trying to work my way back. I know that kind of a feeling.
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“Fortunately for me, I didn't stay in that kind of feeling for too long. I managed come back and find the desired level maybe six or seven months after that. For him, it's been a struggle to build rankings and find the level of tennis for quite a few years. I definitely empathise with him and I wish him all the best.”
For now, Djokovic is still hoping that Thiem can find his game again. “We are all hoping as tennis fans and colleagues of his that he can find the level because he was always very exciting to watch,” he said.
“Spectacular shots, incredible one-handed backhand, forehands, so much power and intensity he brings on the court. Yeah, hopefully he can stay, to play as long as he can, because he's also a very important player for our sport. But he decides, so only he knows how long he's going to play.”
