"I mean I didn’t even know that those guys were real" - Thiem reveals embarrassment at sharing locker room with Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Murray

Dominic Thiem explained why sharing the locker room with Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray has been his most embarrassing moment in the locker room.

Thiem grew up watching players like Nadal, Djokovic, Murray and Federer play so when he actually saw them in the locker rooms, it was hard to process. Thiem struggled actually believe they were real due to the surreal nature of the situation.

He explained it an interview with the Tennis Channel:

"Actually that must be the first time when I when I’ve been in the same locker room with Rafa, Roger, Novak, Andy you know, I mean you see these guys when you’re only 10 years old in the TV and then you are next to them in the locker room and they kind of don’t know what to say, you’re like, ‘Oh! Who is that?’, I mean I didn’t even know that those guys were real. So that’s pretty embarrassing, not for them, but for me."

Thiem called time on his season following his exit from the Austrian Open in Vienna choosing to skip over Paris. He'll make his return in 2023:

"Hi all. After the loss at home this week, the official ATP season is over for me. The past two years were tough, but I’m so glad and thankful it’s going in the right direction. Without all your support throughout this time, my comeback wouldn’t be possible. Also, I want to thank all my partners who support me in good and bad times. Now it’s time to rest and prepare for the 2023 season."