Dominic Thiem constructs fine comeback against Alexander Zverev to claim first US Open title

At a US Open unlike any other, Dominic Thiem constructed a comeback the likes of which hadn’t been seen in 71 years. After dropping the opening two sets against Alexander Zverev on Sunday at a nearly empty Arthur Ashe Stadium, Thiem slowly but surely turned things around for a 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory across more than four hours to earn his first major championship. (Source: USA Today Sports)

Not only that, but in a fitting finish to an unprecedented two weeks, this match was decided by a fifth-set tiebreaker, something that had never happened in the final. (Source: USA Today Sports)

When it ended on a groundstroke flubbed by Zverev, a weary Thiem collapsed on his back way behind the baseline. Zverev — who himself came within two points of the victory — walked around the net to offer a handshake and hug to his pal, two gestures rarely spotted in this era of social distancing. (AP Photo)

Instead of wild applause and loud shouts greeting great exchanges, the soundtrack at Arthur Ashe Stadium mainly came from outside the largest court in tennis, courtesy of roaring airplanes, rumbling trains, revving car engines, honking horns and wailing sirens. There was the occasional polite applause from the dozens of tournament workers allowed in the stands - and, deep into the match, yells from the players’ entourages.

The 27-year-old from Austria is the first man to win the American Grand Slam tournament after trailing 2-0 in sets in the final since Pancho Gonzalez did it against Ted Schroeder in 1949 at an event then known as the US Championships. (Source: USA Today Sports)

While this was the No. 7-ranked Zverev’s first Slam final. (USA Today Sports)