Thiem: “I wish there could be two winners, we both deserved it”

Exhausted both on the cement of the Arthur Ashe after a final of the US Open for the history, which was decided in the tie-break of the fifth set for the first time in the Open Era, Dominic Thiem, the champion, and Sascha Zverev, the defeated, exchanged emotional speeches.

Emotions were running high after more than four hours of the game in which the balance could fall on either side. “It was a very tough fight. Hopefully one day I can lift the trophy here. It is the first of many for you (to Thiem) “, Zverev started before breaking into tears: “I want to thank my parents for a lifetime in which they have been watching over me. I miss them. This is hard. I hope I can take this trophy to them one day,” he managed to say between sobs.

The Austrian picked up the glove. “I too would like to start with you Sascha. We met in 2014 and we had a great friendship and a great rivalry. I wish there could be two winners today, we both really deserve it. I tell you the same thing, you will win this title, one hundred percent for sure, and you will make yours feel proud “, I answer.

With his first big under his arm, Thiem wanted to thank “the effort and attention” of the organizers. Especially in a year complicated by the coronavirus pandemic and the measures it has forced to adopt, including the absence of an audience in the stands, which in a certain way spoiled a beautiful final: “We have felt super safe in the bubble, the hotel … It has been a great job. Hopefully the US Open 2021 will be one with full stands.” “You are incredible,” he assured. “Greetings to the people in Austria and my family, I love you very much. I can't wait to see you,” he concluded.