Rafael Nadal in likely ending his career at the end of the season

Novak Djokovic has addressed reports claiming that Dominic Thiem could end his career this year.

Novak Djokovic refused to comment on rumours surrounding Dominic Thiem’s potential retirement without hearing the Austrian confirm the news himself. There have been reports that the former world No. 3 will follow Rafael Nadal in likely ending his career at the end of the season. While Djokovic didn’t want to address the retirement, he was happy to pile praise on his old rival.

Thiem’s career could be drawing to a close, as several reports from Austria have claimed that the 30-year-old is preparing to retire on home soil at the Vienna Open in October, informing his sponsors of his decision. He has struggled for form since enjoying a career-best season in 2020, which saw him win his only Grand Slam title at the US Open.

The former world No. 3 injured his wrist at the 2021 Mallorca Championships and has never been the same since, struggling to rediscover his form since making a comeback the following year. With speculation over his retirement rife, Djokovic has had his say on the rumours.

Well, I haven’t heard of that. I mean, unless he confirms it, I will not comment on the retirement because rumours are rumours,” the world No. 1 stated ahead of the Italian Open. But he was open to reflecting on Thiem’s career.