The reports from the “Salzburger Nachrichten” that Dominic Thiem could end his career after this season also reached the ATP tournament in Rome. Superstar Novak Djokovic also commented on the Austrian’s possible retirement rumors and showered roses on the 2020 US Open winner. “First of all, he is a great guy, a very good person, someone with very good manners, good values, a family man, someone who always took time to say hello, who always commands respect on the pitch and off the pitch “has shown,” said the Serb.
Djokovic also spoke about Thiem’s personality and specifically praised him. “I like Dominic a lot. I think he’s a great example of someone who, after the difficult time he had and still has with injuries, never gives up and tries to get back to the level he was at when he won a Grand Slam and belonged to the world’s best.”
The Serb can “sympathize” with the difficulties since his wrist injury suffered in the summer of 2021, he said in Rome. “All of us as tennis fans and his colleagues hope that he finds his level because it was always very exciting to watch him. Spectacular shots, incredible one-handed backhands, forehands, so much power and intensity that he brings to the court.” In any case, Djokovic hopes that the 30-year-old Austrian will continue his career after all. “Hopefully he can stay and play as long as he can. Because he is also a very important player for our sport. But he decides. So only he knows how long he will play.”