Austrian tennis player Jurgen Melzer retired at the 2021 Vienna Open, his home tournament, this week. Playing alongside doubles partners Alexander Zverev, Melzer’s career ended when the pair lost to the team of Filip Polasek and John Peers in the opening round of the tournament.
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For the 40-year-old, finishing his career in his home city turned out to be a perfect ending. During his 22-year long career, Melzer won two out of his five singles titles at the Vienna Open, in 2009 and 2010.
Jurgen Melzer remembers historic feat against Novak Djokovic
During the post-match interview, Melzer reflected upon his storied career and recalled his famous victory over 20-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic, in the quarterfinals of the 2010 French Open.
Such was the magnitude of the victory – that Melzer to date remains the only player to defeat Djokovic at a major from two sets to love down.
“I will always remember my Djokovic match, I will always remember winning twice in Vienna, rolling over the Centre Court at Wimbledon with Philipp after winning the doubles. These are the sports memories that you cherish,” Melzer said.
In addition, the Austrian spoke fondly about winning his first-ever doubles Grand Slam title at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships alongside partner, Philipp Petzschner. Melzer’s second and final Grand Slam title in doubles came at the 2011 US Open.
His list of accomplishments also includes lifting the mixed doubles title at the 2011 Wimbledon alongside Iveta Benesova. Melzer spent 17 weeks in the Top 10 of both the FedEx ATP Rankings and the FedEx ATP Doubles Rankings in 2011, which is perhaps one of his rarest feats.
In singles, Melzer’s career-best performance came at the 2010 French Open, where he finished as a semifinalist. In 2018, he retired from singles after losing to Milos Raonic at the Vienna Open.
After playing his last career match at this year’s Vienna Open, Melzer signed autographs and clicked pictures with his fans. “I will remember this one for sure,” said Melzer, thanking the fans.
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