Dominic Thiem, the Austrian tennis star once dubbed the “Prince of Clay,” kicked off his French Open swansong this week—but not without controversy. 🇫🇷 The two-time Roland Garros finalist was denied a wild card entry, a shock move by tournament organizers that left fans questioning: Why snub a legend? 🚨
Thiem, who soared to world No. 3 and claimed the 2020 U.S. Open title, has struggled since a career-derailing wrist injury in 2021. His ranking plummeted during a 10-month hiatus, and despite clawing back into the top 100 last year, consistency has been elusive. Now, at 30, he’s announced plans to retire in 2024, making this French Open his emotional goodbye to the clay courts he once dominated. 🏆
French Tennis Federation’s decision to prioritize local players over Thiem has sparked heated debates. “It’s like denying Kobe a final NBA game,” tweeted one fan. While Thiem’s current form may not mirror his 2019 peak—when he pushed Rafael Nadal to five sets in Paris—his legacy as a gritty competitor remains untarnished. 🔥
As Thiem battles through what could be his final Grand Slam, the tennis world watches with bittersweet pride. Will this underdog story get a fairytale ending? 🤞
