Dominic Thiem
An Austrian powerhouse with a one-handed backhand who broke the Grand Slam stranglehold of tennis's 'Big Three' with relentless force.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Austrian tennis player·Birthday: September 3·Millennials
Biography
Dominic Thiem emerged from the red clay courts of Austria not as a finesse player, but as a human cannonball. Coached by his father from childhood, Thiem's game was built on explosive, heavy-topspin groundstrokes, particularly a majestic single-handed backhand that became his signature. He patiently climbed the ranks, becoming a clay-court terror and a perennial finalist at the French Open. His breakthrough, however, came on the hard courts of New York. In the 2020 US Open final, staged in an empty stadium due to the pandemic, Thiem staged a monumental comeback from two sets down to claim his first major title, becoming the first man born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam and the first Austrian to do so since Thomas Muster. His career, later hampered by a persistent wrist injury, is defined by that moment of ultimate perseverance against the sport's titans.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dominic was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dominic Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Dominic's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2020 US Open, becoming the first new male Grand Slam champion outside the 'Big Three' since 2014.
- Reached the final of the French Open in 2018 and 2019, losing to Rafael Nadal on both occasions.
- Achieved a career-high ATP world ranking of No. 3 in March 2020.
- Won 17 ATP Tour singles titles, including the 2019 Indian Wells Masters, a prestigious ATP 1000 event.
Did You Know?
His father, Wolfgang Thiem, was a professional tennis coach and has been his primary coach for most of his career.
He is an avid fan of soccer and supports Austrian club FC Admira Wacker Mödling.
He has a passion for wildlife and has a pet dog named 'Kübi'.
He speaks German, English, and some French.
“I achieved a life goal, a dream of myself, which I had for many, many years.”
