It was heartwarming to see Dominic Theim hug Alexander Zverev after their close final at the 2020 US Open. In what was a show of mutual respect and friendship, the two young tennis stars shared a handshake and hug after the final. 4-hour seesaw in Flushing Meadows on Sunday.
While handshakes and hugs are common in a normal world, the new coronavirus pandemic has changed the way the world works. With social distancing becoming crucial, racket strikes had replaced handshakes and hugs at the US Open, which was played in front of empty stands.
At the end of a 5 set draw, Dominic Thiem achieved his childhood dream of winning a Grand Slam title. For Alexander Zverev, the dream was dashed when he let go of a 2-set lead. Zverev gave it his all to stay in the match, but in the end, it was Thiem who edged out his ‘good friend’ in an unprecedented tiebreaker in the fifth set.
Even as Thiem lay on the ground, celebrating his triumph, Zverev crossed to the other side of the net and waited for the Austrian before the two young men shook hands and embraced.
When asked what he was feeling when they exchanged a hug after the marathon final, Thiem said: “We are very good friends, we have a long-term friendship, a long-term rivalry. We both came out negative 14 times or so, this time. week. We wanted to share this moment and I guess we didn’t put anyone in danger. So I think it was okay. “
The camaraderie between Thiem and Zverev was visible in the way they both conducted the presentation ceremony. Thiem consoled the teary-eyed German, wishing you success in the Grand Slam Better late than never.
In particular, the women’s doubles champions Laura Siegemund and Vera Zvonareva hugged each other after clinching the US Open title, but only after seeking permission from the chair umpire.
Stressing that he was looking forward to hugging his partner after the memorable win, Seigemund said: “I felt the rounds before, I’m very excited usually at the end of a match. I’m screaming and jumping. I want to hug.” my partner, I have this urge.
“It was always a bit awkward staying away from each other. Today I thought, what the heck. But at least I asked permission.”
I’m going to be a little more relaxed now: Thiem
Meanwhile, Dominic Thiem said releasing his long-standing dream of winning the US Open will give him the freedom to play with less pressure in the future.
“I hope it is easier for me now in the biggest tournaments,” Thiem said.
“I had in the back of my head that I had had a great career so far, much better than I ever dreamed of, but until today there was still a great goal to go.
“With this accomplished, I hope to be a little more relaxed and play a little more freely at the bigger events.”
