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Djokovic, Federer, Nadal honor Dominic Thiem: "Your friendship was always important to me"

The Austrian was in for a surprise when the Big Three helped celebrate his Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lotterien Sporthilfe Gala 2024.

ByBaseline Staff

Published Oct 04, 2024

Throughout his career, Dominic Thiem has posted at least five wins apiece over Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

So it hardly came as a surprise that each member of the Big Three took time to provide the 2020 US Open champion with a special message when he was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lotterien Sporthilfe Gala 2024 on Thursday evening.

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Dominic Thiem a été honoré lors d’un gala pour les sportifs autrichiens avant de disputer le dernier tournoi de sa carrière à Vienne. 🙏🇦🇹

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic et Roger Federer ont laissé un message à leur ancien rival. 🥹

🎥 @ORF pic.twitter.com/yc11ImOvc8
— Univers Tennis 🎾 (@UniversTennis) October 4, 2024

With a wrist injury taking its toll the past few years, Thiem is set to hang up his racquet later this month on home soil. It’s an occasion Djokovic is thrilled his colleague will get to experience one final time.

“Thank you very much for all that you have given to all of us, particularly tennis. I’m glad that you will have an opportunity to say goodbye in Vienna, one last dance,” praised the 24-time major winner.

“I wish you a great tournament with all the family members present and are celebrated because you deserve it, my friend.”

Said Nadal, “I just wanted to congratulate you for this lifetime achievement award. Very well deserved. Very happy for you. You know how much I admire and respect you.”

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dominic Thiem (@domithiem)

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Federer sent his warm regards to the winner of 17 tour-level titles with a reflection in German.

“Dear Dominic, congratulations on the award and your life's work. I enjoyed playing against you so much. Tennis will miss you very, very much,” began the Swiss.

“You were a great guy, on and off the court. Always fair. Your friendship was always important to me on the tour. As rivals, the fact that we got along so well was always great for me. Anyway, I wish you all the best for the future and congratulate you on your incredible, fantastic career Dominic! I'm sure we'll see each other again soon.”

Your friendship was always important to me on the tour. As rivals, the fact that we got along so well was always great for me. —Roger Federer to Dominic Thiem

Thiem responded to the tributes on social media Friday.

“I really wouldn't have expected (the) three of you yesterday!” he exclaimed. “You guys are just incredible and I will never forget this moment!”

Thiem owns 348 tour-level wins and made his farewell Grand Slam appearance at the US Open when he fell to Ben Shelton in the first round.

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