In an unexpected turn of events, Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem finds himself absent from the main draw of this year's French Open. The French Tennis Federation's decision to forego granting him a coveted wild card, instead favoring homegrown French talent, has sent shockwaves through the tennis community.
Once a formidable presence on the clay courts of Roland Garros, Thiem had previously reached the French Open finals in 2018 and 2019, showcasing his prowess on the surface. His journey culminated in a triumphant Grand Slam victory at the 2020 U.S. Open, marking his ascent among tennis elites.
However, the path to glory was marred by adversity. A debilitating wrist injury less than a year after his U.S. Open triumph forced Thiem to withdraw from the ATP Tour for an arduous 10 months. This hiatus led to a significant drop in his rankings, pushing him out of the top echelons of the sport.
Despite a valiant effort to climb back into the top 100 last year, Thiem has struggled to regain the consistency and form that once made him a contender for major titles. The recent announcement of his planned retirement later this year casts a poignant shadow over this year's French Open, potentially serving as his final appearance on the storied clay courts.
Thiem's absence from the French Open not only marks a personal turning point but also signals the end of a significant chapter in tennis. As fans and fellow athletes reflect on his contributions to the sport, Thiem's legacy as one of the game's resilient and talented players remains firmly intact.
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Dominic Thiem's French Open swansong gets off to a blistering start
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