Dominic Thiem has become the first ‘Grand Slam’ champion born in the nineties and the relay of the ‘Big Three’ after 13 consecutive victories between Rafael Nadal ( 5), Novak Djokovic (5) and Roger Federer (3). His was the suffered victory against Alexander Zverev by 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 and 7-6 (6), in four hours and 1 minute.
Thiem is the first new face to be crowned in a major since Marin Cilic did it six years ago on the slopes of Flushing Meadows as well. Thomas Muster, winner at Roland Garros 1995, already has company among the Austrians in the record of a great.
There was no two-set comeback in the US Open final since 1949 and in a major since Roland Garros 2004 with Gastón Gaudio as the protagonist against Guillermo Coria. It didn’t seem like Dominic was capable of matching Pancho Gonzales’ feat.
The Austrian succeeded despite having to request the presence of the tournament’s physiotherapist before the decisive tie-break, raised four second-set balls. Three with 5-1 against and one with 5-2. He chained three games and the nerves changed sides.