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Preview: Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev are both looking to bag a breakthrough first Grand Slam title when they face off behind closed doors in the US Open final on Sunday. It will be the 27-year-old Thiem’s fourth major tennis final and his second in a row after reaching the last-two in Australia this year, while Zverev, 23, is playing his first. Thiem joked after his straight-sets semi-final victory over Daniil Medvedev that if he loses, he might have to contact a multiple-Slam winner who lost four finals before winning his first, and then going on to win two more. “If I win, I have my first. If not, I probably have to call Andy Murray (about) how it is with zero,” the Austrian said ahead of the showdown inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sunday’s showpiece brings to a close a US Open unlike any other – the coronavirus pandemic meant no fans have been allowed into Flushing Meadows and players have been tested for COVID-19 regularly. This year’s field at the Billie Jean King US National Tennis Center in New York was also depleted by the absence of Swiss legend Roger Federer and defending champion Rafael Nadal. The tournament was also blown wide open by the disqualification of world number one and heavy favorite Novak Djokovic in the last 16 for hitting a line judge with the ball. It means the 2020 US Open will crown a first-time Grand Slam champion for the first time since Croatian Marin Cilic won at Flushing Meadows in 2014. It also means a Grand Slam champion other than Djokovic, Nadal or Federer for the first time since Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka won the third of his majors at the 2016 US Open. For Thiem, also a runner-up at the French Open in 2018 and 2019, it is a golden opportunity to clinch that elusive first Slam title. “It’s the biggest goal and also the biggest dream I have in my tennis career since a few years,” said Thiem, who lost in five sets to Djokovic in Melbourne this year. “It was really tough to digest that loss in Australia as I was super close back then. I’m happy that I gave myself a pretty short time after that (for) another chance.” ‘Huge pressure’ Thiem is 7-2 against Zverev, with whom he says he has “a great friendship and a great rivalry,” including a four-set win in the semi-finals during that run to the Melbourne finals. Thiem admits there is “huge pressure,” with both he and Zverev “working very hard since a long time” to enter the pantheon of Slam champions. “I expect a very tough, very open match,” said the world number three. “His first serve is one of, if not, the best out there right now. It’s so fast, so precise. That will be a key point. Try to put many balls back in play.” Zverev is the first German man to reach the final of a tennis major since Rainer Schuttler at the 2003 Australian Open. He is also bidding to become the first German to win the US Open since Boris Becker in 1989. Zverev has looked less convincing than Thiem throughout his run to the final, at times struggling with second serves and groundstroke forehands. But he will be brimming with confidence after coming from two sets down for the first time in his career to beat Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta and reach the final. He also has, arguably, less to lose. “I have a chance. I’m looking forward to it. I’m just excited about it,” said Zverev, the world number seven. With inputs from AFP.
US Open 2020, Men's Singles Final, Match Highlights: Dominic Thiem beats Alexander Zverev to claim first Grand Slam title
Catch all the latest updates, live scores and more from the US Open Men’s Singles final between Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem on Firstpost.com’s live blog!
 "US Open 2020, Men's Singles Final, Match Highlights: Dominic Thiem beats Alexander Zverev to claim first Grand Slam title")
Equally great is Dominic Thiem
"I wish we could have two winners today."
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 14, 2020
All the feels right now 😭
@ThiemDomi I #USOpen pic.twitter.com/gCAbMGwzH8
Classy from both players with their speeches. First up: Alexander Zverev
After a tough loss, this is all class. @AlexZverev #USOpenpic.twitter.com/6nHe7nBXCV
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 14, 2020
Dominic Thiem: “I would like to start with you Sascha. We started to know each other in 2014, we were ranked 100 or something. 2016 our great rivalry started again. We made great things happen on and off the court. I wish we could have had two winners today. You’re going to make it 100%, make your parents proud, family proud. You definitely deserve it and will bring it home one day.”
“Huge thank you to my team, you guys are amazing. Put as much effort in everything as much as me. You guys are amazing, thanks so much.”
“To the USTA, to everybody who made this event happen. We felt super safe in the bubble, on the ground. To make it happen in these difficult times. I wish to have full grounds for 2021”
Alexander Zverev: “I don’t know where to start. First of all, I just want to congratulate Dominic. This is his first of many Grand Slam titles, I think. It was a tough battle, I wish you would have missed a little bit more so it could be me holding that trophy, instead of giving the runners-up speech.”
“I want to thank my team for sticking with me. The last two years of my tennis career haven’t been easy. We’re definitely on the way up, and one day we’re going to lift the trophy together.”
“I want to thank the USTA for holding this event. I mean, who’d have thought this event would be possible, with the situation going on right now. We are more than happy, I think, all of us, that this tournament happened.”
“There are some special people missing in the crowd today. I want to thank my parents. breaks into tears
They were with me at every tournament I went to, my mum and my dad. Unfortunately, my mother tested positive before the tournament, and they couldn’t travel with me. Man, this is tough. I’m sure they’re sitting at home and they’re pretty proud.”
The winning moment for Dominic Thiem
History is made…
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 14, 2020
Here’s the moment @ThiemDomi came from 2 sets down to beat Alexander Zverev 2-6 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6(6)
He becomes Austria’s second Grand Slam singles champion 🏆
🎥 @usopen | #USOpenpic.twitter.com/xXSupnX0zS
What a match!
When a tennis match makes you feel such emotions as a spectator, you know it's one for the ages.
— Somdev Devvarman (@SomdevD) September 14, 2020
Sasha zverev and Dominic Thiem are more than winners and losers tonight. Much more.
Take a bow gentlemen!
History for Austrian tennis.
🇦🇹 Second Austrian to win a men's singles Grand Slam title 🇦🇹
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 14, 2020
First since Thomas Muster at Roland-Garros in 1995!
@ThiemDomi #USOpen pic.twitter.com/0jejcEEMtQ
US Open took months years to write this tweet, right?
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— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 14, 2020
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Right said Bops!
That was just tough tough to watch someone loose.
— Rohan Bopanna (@rohanbopanna) September 14, 2020
Thiem came close thrice, but he does it on the fourth go!
And there it is!
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) September 14, 2020
@ThiemDomi has become the first man in the Open Era to come from two sets down to win a @usopen final.
He defeats Sascha Zverev 2-6 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6(6) for his first major singles title!#USOpen pic.twitter.com/JU5dzMy9ik
Game, set, match Dominic Thiem 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6
A cramping Dominic Thiem comes from two sets and a break down to win the US Open in over four hours over Alexander Zverev. He is the first male player born in the 90s to win a Grand Slam. What a moment!
Fifth set tiebreak
Zverev at the net. Gets one back. Gets two back. But not the third as Thiem hits the winner to go 7-6 up. He has the mini-break and yet another match point, his third. Zverev misses his backhand and Thiem collapses to win this as the clock goes over four hours!
Fifth set tiebreak
This time Thiem with the big serve. 132 mph. Goes into the Zverev backhand and it doesn’t come back. Thiem 4-3 up. A double fault once again. His 15th of the match and Thiem has the mini-break to go 5-3 up. Thiem goes for all with a forehand but misses. He still has the mini-break though, leads 5-4. Thiem with a lovely slice that becomes a low volley for Zverev who moves up. The German gets it back but allows Thiem to hit a forehand winner. Match point Thiem. He has the point there for the taking but misses his forehand. Zverev has the mini-break back. But Thiem still has match point at 6-5. Thiem misses his forehand once again! It is 6-6 at change of ends.
Fifth set tiebreak
Zverev gets the tiebreak underway and holds serve to make it 1-0. Thiem, clearly done in physically, not getting much physically. An outstretched backhand goes long and Zverev has the mini-break to go 2-0 up. Thiem does the smart thing to serve wide, open up the court, moves up after a forehand and drop volleys it. 2-1 to Zverev. Thiem misses his return, challenges immediately. And it did catch the line! The players replay the point. And Zverev serves a double fault! The mini-break back to make it 2-2. A 136mph serve down the T and Thiem’s return goes long. 3-2 to Zverev. Thiem opting to keep the ball in play with sliced backhands and Zverev goes for a forehand winner but it goes long. 3-3 at the change of ends
Zverev 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-6 *Thiem (* denotes server)
Thiem serving for the match, the championship. And he starts by making an error to make it 0-15. Bit defensive from Thiem on the rally and Zverev capitalises. Smashes one, Thiem picks it up but not the second smash. At 0-30, it is Thiem who moves to the net and very well placed volley into the corner. Score ticks on to 15-30. Thiem’s running forehand this time goes long and Zverev has two break points. Saves one as Zverev’s return goes long. But one still to go. Long rally and it ends with Zverev going down the line with the winner. BREAK BACK! The US Open final will be decided in the tiebreak!
What pressure?
Under pressure and on the verge of losing, Dominic Thiem comes up with an absolute belter! Is this guy even human?#USOpen Live: https://t.co/RaWJOK5ZTZpic.twitter.com/KzJ12lY39g
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) September 14, 2020
Zverev 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 5-6 *Thiem (* denotes server)
Make that three straight forehand winners in a row for Thiem. Great, great hitting from the Austrian. He misses a backhand this time and looks up at Massu in frustration. Zverev gets his challenge wrong and it is 15-30. What hands from Sascha! Picks up a low volley and then quick hands to punch it into open court to make it 30-30. Zverev with a tame backhand into the net now and Thiem has a break point. Sliding slice backhand from Thiem angled into the Zverev forehand and he goes for broke but misses. BREAK! But Thiem is limping and has the trainer out.
Zverev* 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 5-5 Thiem (* denotes server)
The stadium DJ playing “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie. Brilliant choice for a track. Brilliant hands from both players to get the game going. Zverev returning two fierce volleys, Thiem just getting it back and the third is far too much for Sascha to land in. This time Thiem misses. He tries to slice his way forward in the rally but not enough distance on it to go over the net. This time he misses on the forehand, hits the net. Decent serve down the T and Zverev’s defensive returns goes wide. WOWZA! Thiem with a bullet of a forehand on 30-30 at 4-5 to find the sideline. Make that two forehand winners in a row. This one a running pass over the highest part of the net. Incredible!
Zverev 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 5-4 *Thiem (* denotes server)
Alexander Zverev serving for the match. The title. Starts off by missing his backhand and forehand to see it become 0-30. Much better on the next as he smashes this out with ease. Zverev hits his backhand into the net and Thiem has two break points. Saves one with a big serve, moves up but Thiem’s return goes long. Another break point. This time Zverev’s serve and volley is into the net. BREAK BACK!
Zverev* 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 5-3 Thiem (* denotes server)
Thiem has put himself in trouble early on once again on serve. Misses a forehand on the first and backhand on the second. Zverev putting him under pressure by moving up to the net. And what a smash at 0-30! Not a bad defensive lob from Zverev but Thiem does wonderfully to move back and close the point out. At 15-30, Thiem with the lob and it lands just in, Thiem moves forward for the drop shot. At 30-30, Thiem tries to go for a forehand down the line but hits the net. Break point. Zverev with big shot once again and forces Thiem into going for a pass. BREAK!
Zverev 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 4-3 *Thiem (* denotes server)
Sascha drops two points on his serve and we’re staying on serve in this decider after the breaks early on. A volley winner brings him the game and lets out a LOUD ‘C’mon’ after it.
Four straight five-setters at Slam finals
1st time in men's tennis history that 4 straight major finals have gone to a 5th set (2019 Wimbledon, 2019 US Open, 2020 Australian Open and 2020 US Open) @espn live
— Chris McKendry (@ChrisMcKendry) September 13, 2020
Zverev* 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 3-3 Thiem (* denotes server)
A couple of errors from Thiem and it is 0-30. Nerves starting to tell. Wait never mind. Scratch that. Thiem picks out the absolute corner of the court for a forehand winner. Pin-point-accuracy. Brings the game to 30-30 as Zverev misses a forehand which lands in the middle of the net. Another well played point from both players but it is Thiem who takes charge with a drive volley, having Zverev on the run and the forehand is well long. An ace gets him out of cage.
Five-sets record:
Dominic Thiem: 8-7
Alexander Zverev: 14-6
Will Thiem add his name to this list? He trails 2-3 in the fifth set as Zverev holds serve with an ace
Comebacks from two sets down to win a major final in Open era (all in Paris):
— Ash Marshall (@AMarshallSport) September 13, 2020
1974 Borg def. Orantes, 2–6, 6–7, 6–0, 6–1, 6–1
1984 Lendl def. McEnroe, 3–6, 2–6, 6–4, 7–5, 7–5
1999 Agassi def. Medvedev, 1–6, 2–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4
2004 Gaudio def. Coria, 0–6, 3–6, 6–4, 6–1, 8–6
Zverev* 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 2-2 Thiem (* denotes server)
Dominic Thiem holds after dropping a point to a sublime half volley from Sascha at the net.
Good point, Som.
This final is what we call a dog fight
— Somdev Devvarman (@SomdevD) September 13, 2020
And it seems like the tougher dog is gonna win
👀
Zverev 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 2-1 *Thiem (* denotes server)
An incredible point from both players. Zverev seems to have been caught wrong footed but readjusts himself to keep the point going. He moves up and gets two strong Thiem backhands back, the latter of the two falls short enough for Thiem to not be able to pick it up. Point of the match. Zverev doing well at the net tonight. Brings Thiem forward with a drop volley and the attempted lob from the Austrian goes long. Loud ‘Allez! Allez!’ yells towards his team. Thiem misses a forehand and Zverev holds.
Zverev* 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 1-1 *Thiem (* denotes server)
Break back chance for Alexander Zverev. And Thiem throws the advantage away with a double fault! What a time to serve your seventh double. And Thiem is, understandably, upset. BREAK! We’re on serve in the fifth.
Zverev 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 0-1 *Thiem (* denotes server)
Thiem gets the break early in the deciding fifth set. Zverev hopes to have caught the sideline but both players walk to the other side as HawkEye confirms it did land out. How crucial will this be?
History in the making?
*opens the history book*
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 13, 2020
The last player to win the #USOpen men's singles final after losing the first two sets was ... Pancho Gonzales in 1949.
A fourth five setter in US Open men’s final since 2000
4th 5-set US Open men's final of the 21st century
— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) September 13, 2020
2009 -Del Potro over Federer
2012 - Murray over Djokovic
2019 - Nadal over Medvedev
2020 - Thiem vs Zverev ??? pic.twitter.com/ALI0vFiIwp
Fourth set: Thiem 6-3
Dominic Thiem makes it two sets all! He was two sets and a break down and now with almost three hours played, we’re headed to a fifth set. Zverev’s errors rising and the serve faltering at crucial moments
Zverev* 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6 Thiem (* denotes server)
Thiem serving for the set. Starts off with an angled serve out wide and Zverev’s outstretched forehand is long. He then missed on the backhand wing on a second serve. Thiem brings up three set points with Zverev missing the attempted winner. Challenge confirms it did indeed go long. Zverev hits the top of the tape after looking to be in command of the rally. And that’s the fourth set for Thiem.
Zverev 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-5 *Thiem (* denotes server)
BREAK! Another late break goes Dominic Thiem’s way. He gets a break point after a double fault from Zverev. Converts it with a tame forehand into the net from the German.
The new Where’s Waldo featuring Dominic Thiem
Where’s Dominic Thiem? pic.twitter.com/OGa5ECH6Ut
— Ed McGrogan (@EdMcGrogan) September 13, 2020
When Thiem missed the second break point earlier…
— Hannah Wilks (@newballsplease) September 13, 2020
Thiem finds the line on the serve and Zverev almost looks surprised. Hold for Dominic to go 4-3 ahead in this fantastic stadium
The Arthur Ashe Stadium truly is a sight to behold.#USOpen Live: https://t.co/RaWJOK5ZTZ pic.twitter.com/e33xpjPvG7
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) September 13, 2020
Zverev 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-3 *Thiem (* denotes server)
What a point! Thiem with incredible fight on a point that almost was out of his reach. Keeps going after ball side to side before whipping a forehand winner down the line. Brings up two break points. Zverev saves both. Thiem almost can’t believe he misses the backhand for the second. Sascha with decent play to prolong the point as Thiem went after it. Thiem guilty of not going after the second serve, a slow 76 mph, and Zverev gets into it and forces an error to bring up game point. And he holds on.
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