Dominic Thiem has become the first player in the Open Era to win the US Open title after coming back from two sets down in a dramatic roller-coaster clash against Alexander Zverev.
The second seed struggled both mentally and physically throughout his 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(6) triumph where he was at one stage two points away from losing. Fighting on the court for more than four hours, Thiem was forced to recover from a lacklustre start before ousting his heartbroken Germany rival who at one stage served for the match.
“Sascha. We started to know each other in 2014 when we were both ranked 100th or something and straight away we developed a great friendship,” said the new champion.
“Then in 2016, I think, our great rivalry started again and we made great things happen on and off the court.
“It is amazing how far our journey brought us.
“I wish we could have two winners today, we both deserve it.”
Thiem’s milestone victory was far from plain sailing as he hit 43 winners against 52 unforced errors and won just 48% of his second service points. Nevertheless, he had the edge when it came to the mental battle.
Zverev, who is the youngest player to contest a US Open final in a decade, endured a turbulent route into the title showdown after coming back from a set down in three out of his six previous matches. Although it was a different story for the German against Thiem, who struggled with both nerves and his first serve at the start. Three games into the match Zverev drew first blood after a backhand slice from his opponent slammed into the net and granted him his first break. Throughout the 30-minute opener he continued to dictate play by dropping only three points behind serve and capitalized on his rival’s tentative hitting before sealing the first set with an ace down the line.
Historically in their rivalry, winning the first set hasn’t always been good news. In five out of their nine previous meetings the player who lost was the one who won the first set. However, Zverev refused to relinquish his lead with the help of some high intensity play. Best illustrated by the 103 mph forehand winner he hit en route to breaking once again during the early stages of the second frame. Although a minor wobble whilst leading 5-1 did revive Thiem’s belief as the Austrian claimed three games in a row.
The comeback
Nearing the prospect of recording the biggest victory of his career, it was Zverev’s turn to experience nerves against a defiant Thiem who found a fresh burst of energy during set number three. Trading breaks early on there was little disparity between the two until the business end. Serving 4-5 down, back-to-back errors from Zverev rewarded Thiem’s perseverance as he snatched the third set.
Continuing the comeback, Thiem started to look the stronger of the two. As Zverev’s error count increased, the Austrian began to be the one dictating play with the help of some blistering shots from both his forehand and backhand side. It would be a Zverev double fault followed by an unforced error that would grant Thiem the opportunity to serve and level the match. Something he did with a love service game.
With a first major trophy, as well as a $3 million prize, at stake the match would be decided by what turned out to be one of the most gut-busting sets of the entire tournament. Incredibly Zverev failed to serve the match out whilst leading 5-3 before the same happened to Thiem when he was ahead 6-5. Then to add to the drama the world No.3 also had a medical time out between. He had hurt his Achilles prior to the final and looked to be in pain at times.
Eventually, it would be two points that would separate the two. At 6-6 in the tiebreaker a passing winner from Thiem granted him his third championship point, which he converted after a Zverev backhand went wild. Prompting the Austrian to drop onto the ground in disbelief whilst his rival was in tears moments afterwards.
“I don’t know where to start. I’d like to congratulate Dominic on the first of many Grand Slam titles. It was a tough battle – I wish you would have missed a little more,” said Zverev.
“Here I am giving a runner-up speech. Thanks to my team for sticking with me – the last two years have not been easy – hopefully one day we will lift this trophy.
“I want to thank my parents. I’m sure they are sitting at home, even though I lost they’re pretty proud. I wish one day that I can bring the trophy home.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s New York event took place behind closed doors for the first time in history. Players were kept in a ‘protective bubble’ and even restricted as to where they could travel. Although Thiem has hailed the tournament for their approach.
“To the USTA and everyone who made this event happen, you did an awesome job. I think the players felt super safe in the bubble, in the hotel, and I couldn’t believe until I got here that this would happen. At such a difficult time, you did a great job. I think we all deserve a normal US Open in 2021 with full crowds and I think this is the wish of everybody,” he said.
Thiem is just the fifth player in the Open Era to have won a Grand Slam final after losing the first two sets.
