The 2020 season was a career-defining one for Dominic Thiem. The Austrian won his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2020 US Open despite losing the opening two sets against a game Alexander Zverev.

Last year, Thiem also achieved his career-high ranking of World No.3 after ending as the runner-up at the 2020 Australian Open. Considering his phenomenal performances over the last 12 months, Thiem has been nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award.

Dominic Thiem nominated for a prestigious award

Following the announcement, the tennis star uploaded an Instagram post expressing his gratitude to the Laureus organization for nominating him for the prestigious award.

Thiem mentioned it was a matter of immense pride to see his name alongside other elite athletes nominated for the same award. Apart from Thiem, five other athletes – Ansu Fati, Patrick Mahomes, Joan Mir, Tadej Pogacar, and the 2020 French Open champion, Iga Swiatek have also been nominated.

“Thank you @laureussport for the nomination! It was a dream come true to win my first Grand Slam title last year! Now seeing my name on the nominee’s list together with so many great athletes is a true honor,” wrote Thiem.

Before winning the first Grand Slam title, Thiem had lost his previous three major championships finals to Rafael Nadal (’18 and ’19 French Open) and Novak Djokovic (2020 Australian Open).

However, Thiem’s continuous perseverance and hard work in the face of adversity helped him achieve his childhood dream of becoming a Grand Slam champion.

In fact, 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has been nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. The Spaniard won the award in 2011 on the back of a jaw-dropping 2010 season, when he won three back-to-back Grand Slam titles and completed the Career Slam.

Nadal equaled his arch-rival Roger Federer’s record of winning 20 Grand Slam trophies after triumphing at the last year’s French Open.