Overview
- The Austrian Football Association has confirmed Dominic Thiem’s official player registration with Badener AC, a community club that plays in Austria’s eighth division.
- Badener AC’s manager has said Thiem will train and compete for a place in the starting eleven under the same selection rules as every other player.
- Thiem retired from the professional tennis tour after the 2024 season because a 2021 wrist injury left him unable to return to his peak form; he won 17 ATP singles titles including the 2020 US Open.
- Since leaving the tour Thiem has already played at amateur level, recording 10 appearances and one goal for hometown side SC Lichtenwörth, and his move to Badener AC was arranged through a friend at the club.
- The switch highlights a high-profile athlete choosing grassroots sport over a pro comeback and is likely to raise local interest in the club while keeping Thiem’s competitive life low‑pressure and community‑centered.