By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Dominic Thiem’s huge heart was evident in his 2020 US Open Men’s Finals clash against Alexander Zverev.
Down two sets to none, the Austrian tennis star needed to play almost perfect tennis to complete the epic comeback which he did in almost five hours of grueling tennis, 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6.
Thiem switched gears in the third set, played more aggressive tennis and struck heavier groundstrokes that kept Zverev in different positions.
Zverev’s game plan that proved to be effective in the first two sets were quickly negated by Thiem after he fired from all cylinders and made sure that his top-spin game was consistent.
“I achieved a life goal, a dream of myself, which I had for many, many years,” said the 27-year-old Thiem.
Thiem displayed a sense of urgency in the succeeding sets that Zverev just wasn’t able to match.
Looking like a different player in the court, Thiem finished the match with a series of winners and after Zverez committed an error and the ball was called out, Thiem laid down in the court with mixed emotions, covered his face, and looked up at the sky for a long time.
