Carlos Alcaraz shares what his brother always used to say to him about Dominic Thiem when they were growing up

Carlos Alcaraz recently paid tribute to Dominic Thiem, honoring the impact the Austrian player had on his younger brother. Thiem, a former World No. 3 and the 2020 US Open champion, is set to retire following the Vienna Open, his home tournament, after enduring years of injuries that kept him from reaching his previous heights.

Alcaraz, who has yet to compete against Thiem on the ATP Tour, shared that his younger brother, a devoted fan of Thiem, looked up to the player immensely. Alcaraz recalled how his brother even played with Thiem’s racquet and admired his style, often saying he wanted to play just like him. The Spaniard added, “In my family, we have a really high estimation of Dominic.”

Reflecting on the memorable moments he shared with Thiem, Alcaraz mentioned the practice session they had in 2020 when he was only 16. The four-time Grand Slam champion recalled his excitement at training with Thiem, having watched him excel in high-stakes matches and claim significant tournament wins.

Alcaraz admired Thiem’s career and the intensity he brought to his game, which made him one of the most thrilling players to watch on the ATP Tour. Thiem’s influence on Alcaraz’s younger brother is a testament to the Austrian’s legacy, as he leaves the sport with a profound impact on fans and fellow players alike.