Dominic Thiem scores first-round qualifying win at final Roland Garros

Dominic Thiem kicked off the first leg of his final Roland Garros with a victory on Monday, winning his first round of qualifying 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 over Italy’s Franco Agamenone.

A two-time finalist in 2018 and 2019, the 2020 US Open champion announced last week that he will retire at the end of the 2024 season, making this his last campaign on the terre battue.

“I’ve had success, I’ve won trophies I’ve never dreamt of,” Thiem said in a video statement posted after a second-round loss in Mutua Madrid Open qualifying. “The journey was incredible, all the ups and downs. It was an incredible experience which I’m so thankful for.

“But in the end, I came to the conclusion that this decision to end my career by the end of this season is the only right one.”

Thiem was not listed among the Roland Garros men’s singles wild card recipients, meaning the former would No. 3 will have to win three qualifying matches in order to earn a spot in the men’s singles main draw. This is the first time that the 30-year-old Austrian has had to enter Grand Slam qualifying since the 2014 Australian Open, his first-ever major appearance.

Taking to Court Suzanne-Lenglen on Monday, Thiem, seeded No. 11 in the qualifying draw, came back from a set down to defeat Agamenone, a 31-year-old who peaked at No. 108 in the ATP rankings back in 2022. He has only made one Grand Slam main-draw appearance as a lucky loser at 2022 Roland Garros.

Thiem struck an even 41 winners to 41 unforced errors and converted five of fourteen break point opportunities to win in two hours and 19 minutes.

Up next for Thiem is 22-year-old Otto Virtanen of Finland who, like Agamenone, has only played one Grand Slam main draw at the 2023 US Open. Virtanen defeated Australian Dane Sweeny, 6-2, 6-3 earlier on Monday.