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Dominic Thiem turns 28: roller coaster ride of emotions

Dominic Thiem is celebrating his 28th birthday today - and on his special day he can look back on the most turbulent year of his life so far.

by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Sep 03, 2021, 03:36 am

February 12 and 14, 2021 are probably more symbolic of Dominic Thiem's emotional world than any other day in the past year. On the one hand there would be an epic catch-up against Nick Kyrgios in front of thousands of tennis-crazy Australians, on the other hand an almost inexplicable three-set defeat against Grigor Dimitrov in an empty Rod Laver Arena.

Yes, the past twelve months were probably the most turbulent of his short life for Dominic Thiem. The start of his 28th year of life could not have been better: With the triumph at the US Open, the Austrian fulfilled a long-cherished dream, and afterwards he also showed sensational tennis - especially at the ATP Finals.

Thiem botched the start of the season

Unsurprisingly, after his best season to date, Thiem was voted Austrian athlete of the year by an overwhelming majority. The march all the way to the top seemed almost inevitable, but at the beginning of the current season, the harsh reality caught up with him and all of Tennis Austria.

After the clear and surprising round of 16 at the Australian Open, Thiem completed two guest appearances in Doha and Dubai, twice it set early defeats. "I am in a difficult phase. It is necessary to make a fresh start," said the Lichtenwörther, who is suffering from the COVID bubbles.

The restart, however, went anything but as desired. After a good performance in Madrid, Thiem lost early in Rome, Lyon and also at his declared season highlight in Paris. After the first round bankruptcy in Roland Garros, he even spoke of the "greatest crisis" of his career so far.

Start at the Australian Open as a big goal

In his private life, however, things went better for Thiem: At the beginning of the year, the Lower Austrian made his new relationship with Lili Paul-Roncalli public, and appearances in public have been few and far between. But for a sad reason, the tennis star is likely to spend more time than usually with his girlfriend, at least privately.

Because Thiem injured his wrist in Mallorca, then canceled the tournament in Wimbledon and subsequently even had to end his season prematurely. Currently, the world number six is still on a track, a start at the Australian Open in 2022 is the declared goal.

So what remains of Dominic Thiem's year of life? Above all, of course, hovers the US Open title, with which he fulfilled a lifelong dream and will forever have a place in the history books. But in view of the injury break, there is still a bitter aftertaste for the Austrian. The good news for 2022: In a roller coaster, one fall is always followed by a steep climb.