Men's US Open Final Preview- Zverev vs Thiem
Two of the best young players in world tennis square off against each other in the final of the US Open with Zverev up against Thiem.
This is the pairs best chance of winning a Grand Slam with none of the ‘Big 3’ in the final stages of the tournament. Neither Nadal nor Federer entered the tournament. Djokovic was then disqualified from the tournament after accidentally striking a line judge with a ball.
Both have shown their immense potential with both looking to win their maiden Grand Slam title.
For Thiem, this is his fourth time in a Grand Slam final and he hopes that his experience from his finals at the French Open in 2018 and ’19 and the Australian Open early this year. But despite not winning any of his previous Grand Slam finals, Thiem is confident in his ability.
"I won't change my mindset at all. I know what Sascha is capable of.
"I will go in like in the previous six matches. From the moment Novak was out of the tournament, it was clear that there's going to be a new Grand Slam champion.
"From that moment on, that was also out of my mind. I was just focusing on the remaining guys left in the draw.
"For me, it really doesn't matter whether it's Sascha or one of the 'Big Three'. I just try to go in there and give my best." Said the 27-year-old Austrian.
Thiem, who battled through an achilles injury against Daniil Medvedev in the semi-final admitted that he must win one of these finals and that there is ‘pressure’ on him to win after numerous chances.
Zverev, who will be competing in his maiden Grand Slam final and has long be touted as a future star and champion who will head the next generation of tennis stars after the ‘Big 3’ of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic move on.
Despite being highly rated, the 23-year-old has often shown some weaknesses in his game which has led to criticism and doubt in how far he can go. He has yet to convert his promising potential into a Grand Slam victory, with his career highlight coming when he beat Djokovic and Federer on his way to claiming the ATP Finals in 2018.
Zverev, however, has shown grit and determination on his way to the US Open final. His victories against Borna Coric and Pablo Carreno Busta showed great resolved and great improvement in the mental aspect of his game that often lacked.
"Mentally, I stayed in it... Even though I was down two sets to love, I stayed in it. I gave myself the best chance I could.
"I think a lot of players would have gone away. It was a Grand Slam semi-final. There's no easy matches anymore. Sometimes you have to dig deep.” The 23-year-old German stated.
"Obviously, I'm happy to be in a final. But there's still one more step to go. For me, I think it's going to be extremely difficult." Said Zverev.
The final will be a tough match for Zverev as he trails in the head to head and lost their most recent matchup at the Australian Open.
Thiem controlled the match with dominant shots from the baseline and powerful groundstrokes.
But for Thiem the head-to-head doesn’t give him any advantage. "It's nice that I'm in front in the head-to-head 7-2. When we both step on the court on Sunday, it doesn't matter anymore.
"I expect a very tough, very open match. I guess that's what it's going to be." Said Thiem.
This will be an intriguing matchup between two young stars who are both looking to claim their maiden Grand Slam title. With both looking to make the next leap in their careers and place themselves into the sphere of the ‘Big 3’.
