Ahead of Thiem’s last tournament, he will stage a “party” at the site of the Vienna Open, the Wiener Stadthalle. The Austrian will face Alexander Zverev in an exhibition – a rematch of the 2020 US Open final won by Thiem.

Fans will also get the chance to come down onto the court and hit some serves, while other sports stars and Thiem’s friends and family will attend his retirement bash. And the 31-year-old is also hoping to see three special faces.

“I invited Federer, Nadal and Djokovic to my farewell party. Nobody has contacted me yet,” Thiem told Heute.

While the Big Three are yet to RSVP to Thiem’s invitation, they have already paid tribute to their old foe. Earlier this week, 2020 US Open champion received the Lotterien Sporthilife-Gala 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Federer, Nadal and Djokovic surprised Thiem with touching video messages during the ceremony. “Tennis will miss you very, very much,” Federer told him.

Nadal added: “You know how much I admire you,” while Djokovic added: “Thank you for everything you gave us all.”

The Austrian was once seen as the heir to the Big Three throne. He became the first man born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam title when she lifted the US Open trophy in 2020.

It ended a six-year wait for a new men’s singles Major champion. But a few months later, Thiem injured his wrist at the 2021 Mallorca Championships and has since never rediscovered his best form.

The 17-time title winner is now looking forward to saying goodbye in Vienna – where he always thought he’d hang it up. Thiem added: “It was always clear that I would stop here.

“I am happy that things are now coming full circle. There will also be a sense of relief.”

Thiem is then scheduled to play his first-round match on Tuesday, October 22. It could wll be his last outing on the court.