'It took a toll': Dominic Thiem on How Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal Contributed to His Injury Woes

A decade ago when Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray were indulged in a stiff competition, a young Austrian had announced himself on the biggest stage and was beginning to stand toe-to-toe with the veterans. The young man was backed to have a brilliant career and was seen as the undisputed future World No.1. However, things did not fall in the right place for Dominic Thiem as he was marauded by constant injuries. The constant hits hampered his career to the extent he announced his retirement at the age of 30.

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Dominic Thiem Blames Big Three For his Injury Woes

Dominic Thiem has decided to call it a career after the end of the 2024 season. The Austrian has had an unfortunate spell with injuries, particularly with the Wrist injury, and in consequence, has decide to call it quits. Speaking about his plight, Thiem revealed that the goal of staying put with the Big 3 took a toll on him, which eventually cost him big time.

"It took a toll, especially as a mere mortal trying to compete with the sport’s three demigods [Federer, Nadal and Djokovic]," Thiem told The Athletic. “That contributed to the injury, definitely. I was competing with the three greatest of all time. That was intense.

“But also, all the years before I always had a big load and intensity in my practice. That’s something the doctor and many other people said: that at one point the wrist broke because of all the shots I did, all the hard practice I did all those years before.

“I was always striving to get better and get even closer to the best players in the world.”

Dominic Thiem has slumped to 131 in the ATP rankings. However, the rankings do not showcase the player he once was. Thiem's biggest achievement on the court came in the year 2020 when he defeated Alexander Zverev in the 5-set final to win the US Open.