Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem has made an unexpected return to competitive sport by joining Austrian amateur football club Badener AC. The 32-year-old, who retired from professional tennis in 2024, has registered with the Austrian Football Association and is now eligible to play for the eighth-tier side.
The Austrian’s move into football comes after a successful tennis career that saw him reach world No. 3, win 17 ATP titles and claim his first Grand Slam trophy at the 2020 US Open. Thiem became the only man in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam final after losing the opening two sets, defeating Alexander Zverev in a dramatic five-set match.
Thiem’s arrival at Badener AC was reportedly helped by a friend already involved with the team, but despite his sporting reputation, he will still have to compete for his place in the squad like any other player.
A lifelong football fan, Thiem has also taken on another role in the sport after being named an ambassador for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, which will feature Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Austria.
The move marks a new sporting adventure for Thiem, who is swapping the tennis court for the football pitch as he looks to continue competing in a different arena.
