Tennis champion Thiem begins a new chapter in soccer

Thiem showcases impressive ball-juggling skills on the pitch.

VIENNA, July 26: Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem is set to embark on a new sporting challenge after retiring from professional tennis in 2024, with the Austrian star preparing to join eighth-tier club Badner AC.

The former world No. 3 has been officially registered as a soccer player with the Austrian Football Association. Badner AC manager Sergei Petrovic said the club had heard positive reports about Thiem’s ability and hoped to see him feature, while stressing that the tennis great would not receive any special treatment.

“Training has not started yet, so I cannot say much about the new signings. He has a friend at the club, and I hope he can perform well here. However, everyone will have to compete for a place in the starting lineup,” Petrovic said.

This will not be Thiem’s first soccer experience. The 2020 US Open winner recently represented his hometown side Lichtenwörth, scoring his first goals during a 10-match spell with the club.

Thiem enjoyed a successful tennis career, winning 17 titles, including his memorable US Open triumph in 2020 after defeating Alexander Zverev for his only Grand Slam crown. He also reached two French Open finals, one Australian Open final, and two ATP Finals finals before a serious right wrist ligament injury in 2021 disrupted his return to top form.