"No matter the surface, you always found a way to beat me," wrote the Swiss legend in tribute to Thiem, "but more importantly, you did it with grace and sportsmanship."

With his career now concluded, there are several candidates to replace Dominic Thiem as the most talented One Slam Wonder still active on the tennis circuit. There are 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic and 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, who are now past their prime but still showing the world, from time to time, their mettle.

If the Austrian’s outlook on life and champion’s drive are any indication, there’s every reason to be believe his impact will be felt for generations to come.

The Austrian explains how he beat Rafael Nadal and his tactics against Novak Djokovic – and reveals his most underrated shot

Dominic Thiem has played his last professional match losing 7-6 (6), 6-2 to Luciano Darderi in the first round at the Erste Bank Open