10 Minutes of Tennis: Dominic Thiem Retires “too early”

Episode #85 Season 24: Shaun Boyce & Justin Yeo

On this week’s episode, we tackle one of the most fascinating subjects in professional tennis right now: the shocking retirement of Dominic Thiem. What makes a Grand Slam champion walk away from the game? What does his story tell us about the grueling nature of the modern tennis tour?

World-famous tennis coach Justin Yeo joins host Shaun to discuss training practices behind the scenes that shed light on the physical, emotional, and mental toll on the best players in the world.

This is not just a conversation about tennis; it’s a meditation on resilience and balance, on the hard choices facing every athlete when their body and passion collide.

About the Guest

Justin Yeo is not just a tennis coach — he’s a lifelong student and teacher of the game. Justin, originally from Australia but now coaching in Puerto Rico, has spent decades working with players of all ages and at all levels — from the first time a toddler picks up a racket to a professional trying to break through into elite competition.

Justin shares anecdotes from his career, insights into player development, and actionable advice that can inspire players at all levels.

In this episode, he unpacks the journey of Dominic Thiem, and breaks down learnings and lessons from the wins and the losses that every listener can identify with.

Key Highlights of the Podcast

Dominic Thiem’s Retirement: We start the episode with a deep dive into Thiem’s announcement and the reasons for it. Justin and Shaun also examine whether his story is a cautionary tale for future players or a natural consequence of elite sport.
The Physical Demands of the Tour: Modern tennis is not a game, but a marathon. Justin writes about the way the imposing tour schedules and demanding playing styles of today’s game test even the most fit athletes in the sport. Find out how to rest, recover, and manage a long career in this physically punishing sport matter.
Comparing Generations: Why players like Rafael Nadal and Djokovic have so much longevity compared to others. Shaun and Justin juxtapose legends of the game with rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, looking at what separates the greats and what the youngsters can learn from their careers.
The Change in Training: You don't just walk in, jump on a machine and hop off. Justin dives into how preparation for players has turned into a science, with maintenance and injury prevention now accounting for 30-40% of what they do.
Takeaway Tips: This episode contains valuable advice for everyone from the recreational players to aspiring champions, from the need for having the right technique to the crucial aspect of having the right team.

Who Should Listen to This?

Fanatics (Tennis): If you’re enthralled by the sport, what you find in this episode is a glimpse of what professional tennis is really like, as well as the personal stories behind the headlines.
Players of All Levels: If you play casually or have dreams of turning pro, you’ll find tips for training smarter, managing injuries and keeping your passion for the game alive.
Coaches and Trainers: Discover from one of the best in the business about what it takes to develop talent and bring support to players so they can perform at their best.
Sports fans: Even if you don’t follow tennis, this episode exposes you to the sacrifices, victories and humanity of top-level athletes.
Anyone Struggling: The themes of resiliency, balance and powering through hard times extend well beyond the court, making this a story anyone can relate to.

Share Your Story

We want to hear from you! What did you think of the challenges and demands of professional tennis? Then have you ever had to overcome a challenge on your own tennis journey—or in life—that you thought was impossible to surmount?

We believe in the power of stories. So whether it’s a question, an anecdote, or simply your take, your voice matters. To share your words, visit My Tennis Story. You may even help inspire our next episode!

YouTube Replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/zUeNMgcBGic?si=K8KekCQ9Fo9kZvrn

Shaun Boyce USPTA: [email protected]

https://tennisforchildren.com/

Justin Yeo: https://www.instagram.com/yeocoach/

Bobby Schindler USPTA: [email protected]

https://windermerecommunity.net/

Geovanna Boyce: [email protected]

https://regeovinate.com/

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