Dominic Thiem Says Past Grand Slam Experiences ‘Didn’t Help’ Him to Win US Open 2020

Dominic Thiem finally won his first Grand Slam title after he made a spectacular comeback to win the finals of US Open 2020 against Alexander Zverev.

A final of two halves for Thiem, as he had a horrid first 2 and a half sets in the final. He was two sets and a break down in the 3rd set looking at a highly disappointing loss. But the Austrian had a sudden burst of energy and spirit which resulted in him hitting some great winners to save the match. He came from two sets down to win the next three and claim the US Open crown.

Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev at US Open 2020 finals — Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev with their Winner and Runner UP titles respectively at the post-match ceremony of US Open 2020 finals. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

In his post-match press conference, Thiem stated that the experience from earlier Grand Slam finals was not helpful in winning the US Open.

“Honestly, I think it didn’t help me at all because I was so tight in the beginning. Maybe it was not even good that I played in previous major finals. Luckily then things changed in the third set. At the end was complete open match, 50/50. I think the experience didn’t mean that much today.” Thiem said

Dominic Thiem explains how past Grand Slam Finals affected him in the US Open 2020 finals

Thiem explained the cause of his slow and abysmal start at the US Open final. Mentally, Thiem was occupied with a lot of negative thoughts which certainly denied the best tennis out of him.

“I mean, I wanted this title so much, and of course, there was also in my head that if I lose this one, it’s 0-4. It’s always in your head. Is this chance ever coming back again? This, that, all these thoughts, which are not great to play your best tennis, to play free. That’s what exactly happened in the beginning.”

Dominic Thiem Serves Sumit Nagal — Dominic Thiem serves at the 2020 U.S. Open. Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

Having lost his previous three Grand Slam finals, Dominic Thiem was haunted with the prospect of falling short for the fourth straight time. And so the Austrian struggled at the start. This shows the mental strength and calmness that is required to win a Grand Slam which Theim got a hold of probably after the 3rd set.

Read More: “Never Been in This Situation”: Dominic Thiem Raises Concerns Ahead of French Open 2020