U.S. Open: Dominic Thiem’s Victory and Novak Djokovic Incident

The remarkable U.S. Open ended on September 13^th, 2020 with Dominic Thiem and Naomi Osaka emerging as the ultimate U.S. Open champions. The fascinating finals not only produced high-quality plays but also displayed the important role of mentality in tennis. The shocking Novak Djokovic incident, for instance, is one of the major topics discussed around athletes’ self-control on the court. Despite the results and the incidents around the U.S. Open, the USTA’s ability to undertake this challenging project is also astonishing. 

U.S. Open Men’s Champion  

Dominic Thiem has been constantly knocked out in Grand Slam finals. However, he always manages to stay hopeful and stay motivated again and again. This year, his persistence finally paid off as he won the U.S. Open Men’s Champions at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Thiem became the first male player in 71 years to win after losing the first two sets of the finals.

According to Andy H., a singles player from the AISG tennis team, Thiem’s performance after losing the first two sets of the final was “fascinating to watch” and “it shows that sports are not all about physicality. There are times where mentality can have an immense impact on the outcome of the game.”

Thiem and Zverev were the youngest finalists of the Grand Slam since the Australian Open in 2012. Although Thiem lost the first two sets, he patiently outlasted his friend and opponent – Alexander Zverev. 

They developed a great friendship since 2014. Thiem described their remarkable friendship in his trophy presentation speech, stating that “it’s amazing how far our journey brought us to share this moment. I wish we could have two winners because we both deserved this.”

Novak Djokovic Out of U.S. Open

Novak Djokovic defaulted after he hit a line judge with a tennis ball during his fourth-round match. After his disqualification, Djokovic stated that he is “going to take this in as profound as possible for [him] as a big lesson.”

With 17 major titles, Djokovic is behind Rafael Nadal by two and Roger Federer by three. The 2020 U.S. Open was a golden opportunity to narrow that gap without the other two members of the Big Three present. 

“I’m going to take this in as profound as possible for me as a big lesson. I’ve been thinking about it. I’ve been comprehending. I’ve been talking to my team. It’s just one of these things that is just unfortunate and happens. You have to move on.” Djokovic answered the controversies in his interview after inadvertently hitting a line judge in the throat with a ball hit in frustration.

Although Djokovic is out of the U.S. Open, he is still considered as one of the top male players in the world. Furthermore, the USTA’s success in carrying out a safe event during COVID-19 gives hope to other sports events that were postponed during the pandemic.