2-Time French Open Runner-Up Dominic Thiem Loses In Qualifying In Final Roland Garros Appearance

PARIS — Dominic Thiem, a two-time runner-up, was knocked out in the second round of qualifying at the French Open.

Otto Virtanen defeated Dominic 6-2, 7-5 on Court Suzanne Lenglen, and Dominic will miss his 11th and final appearance in the clay-court Grand Slam main draw.

Thiem | AP News Image

2-Time French Open Runner-Up Dominic Thiem Loses In Qualifying In Final Roland Garros Appearance

Dominic, who reached the Roland Garros finals in 2018 and 2019, revealed earlier this month that he will retire at the end of the year after struggling to regain peak form following a wrist injury.

Following his defeat, Dominic received a standing ovation during a goodbye ceremony, with chants of “Thank you Domi, Thank you Domi.”

Dominic, a former US Open champion, has plummeted to 131st in the rankings and failed to obtain a wildcard into the French Open. He didn’t keep a grudge.

Thiem | The Times Image

2-Time French Open Runner-Up Dominic Thiem Loses In Qualifying In Final Roland Garros Appearance

“I slowly built up a great, great relationship with the tournament, relationship with all of you guys, with all fans,” stated Dominic. “I’ve really enjoyed every single year of it.”

The 30-year-old Austrian won his only Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows in 2020. Dominic defeated Alexander Zverev in five sets, becoming the first man in 71 years to recover a two-set deficit in a U.S. Open final.

Thiem | Reuters Image

2-Time French Open Runner-Up Dominic Thiem Loses In Qualifying In Final Roland Garros Appearance

Dominic also finished second at the 2020 Australian Open, reaching a career-high No. 3 ranking that year. He remained in the top five until June 2021, when he hurt his right wrist, which kept him out for nine months and has hindered his playing ever since.

Dominic has a total of 17 titles.

SOURCE – (AP)