Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem has confirmed his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 30 after releasing an emotional video on social media. The Austrian admitted that injuries have had a detrimental effect on his ability to play at the highest level and after slipping down the rankings, has decided to call a day on his illustrious career at the end of the season.

Thiem’s sole Grand Slam victory came at the 2020 US Open, when he defeated Alexander Zverev after losing his four previous Major finals, lifting him to a career-high world No. 3.

But less than a year after success at Flushing Meadows, Thiem suffered a serious wrist injury that kept him out of action for 10 months. He fell to 350 in the rankings and despite returning to the top 100, continued issues with his wrist have forced Thiem to retire.

“It is very important, very sad, very beautiful message that this season will be my last one,” Thiem said as he sat down for an Instagram video to explain why he was quitting the sport.

“There are some reasons behind it: firstly, of course, my wrist, It is not the way it should be. The second reason is my inner feeling: I have been thinking about this decision for a very long time.

“I was thinking very carefully about this, of course I was also thinking about the whole journey as a tennis player, which was incredible. I have had success, I have won trophies I have really never dreamt of. The journey was incredible, all the ups and downs, it was an incredible experience which I am so thankful for.