For just under an hour, the fans in the sold-out Wiener Stadthalle were still hoping that Dominic Thiem would win his farewell tournament. In the end, the Italian Luciano Darderi was too strong.

It was almost like old times. Cheered on by the frenetic crowd, Thiem shone in the first set, especially with his trademark backhand down the line. Point after point was won. Thiem was not only able to keep up with the world number 42, but even took the lead with a break. However, Darderi equalized the score at 4-4, after which both players were able to hold their serve. In the tie-break, Thiem already had a 4-2 lead and a set point at 6-5. Darderi fought back and took the first set 7-6 (6).

This broke the Austrian's resistance. Darderi started the second set with a break and did not let this lead slip from his grasp. In the end, it was 7-6 (6), 6-2 for the Italian and Thiem was denied a sensation in his farewell to professional tennis.

Nevertheless, there was a standing ovation for the Lower Austrian after the match point, and a prepared fan choreography also honored the US Open winner. And: the racket with which he hit his last balls in the Wiener Stadthalle was stored in a display case immediately after the match and can now be admired in the exhibition “The official Tennis Experience” in Hall F of the Stadthalle.

Thanks and request to the fans

On court, Thiem thanked the fans in an emotional speech: “I've had so many nice goodbyes in the last few months, but today I want to say thank you for all the sensational years. I am only a part of this career. The whole journey has been an absolute dream and I want this afternoon, this evening to be yours. I couldn't have imagined it any better - thank you!”

Finally, Thiem made a plea to the fans: “Tennis has had a huge upswing in Austria in recent years. Please keep it up. That's my request to you: That this wonderful sport remains so present in the future. That's my request to you!”

Musetti and Draper progress

After the Thiem match, Brit Jack Draper defeated Japan's Kei Nishikori, who had slipped into the tournament with a wild card, 7:6 (5), 7:5. At the Erste Bank Open 2 Go, Lorenzo Musetti had no problems with his compatriot Lorenzo Sonego, winning 6:3, 6:1 and thus also advancing to the second round.