Dominic Thiem’s US Open journey came to an end on Tuesday, as he was defeated by American rising star Ben Shelton in the first round. The 2020 champion, known for his powerful forehand and tenacity, was unable to overcome Shelton’s youthful energy and aggressive game. Shelton, the 22-year-old American, took down Thiem in straight sets (6-4, 6-2, 6-2), advancing to the second round. The match marked a poignant moment as Thiem has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the end of the season, plagued by injuries that have hampered his performance in recent years. Despite the loss, Thiem received a heartfelt tribute from organizers as he exited the court, acknowledging his significant contributions to the sport.