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US Open: Thiem creates history as tourney sees a new champion after six years, fans dub it "a dramatic win"

The 27-year-old Australian defeated Alexander Zverev 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) in a stellar match on Sunday. He lost the first two sets but bounced back to win the next three that also saw a fifth-set tiebreaker

History was made at the US Open. For the first time in six years, there was a new champion in the form of Dominic Thiem. The 27-year-old Australian defeated Alexander Zverev 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) in a stellar match on Sunday. Thiem lost the first two sets but bounced back to win the next three that also saw a fifth-set tiebreaker.

It has been that sort of a tourney where the big names were missing — Novak Djokovic was defaulted in the fourth round, Roger Federer gave the US Open a miss as he continued his rehab for his knee and Rafael Nadal opted out due to coronavirus concerns. This saw a new champion and the Austrian garnered lavish praise on social media for his scintillating performance. "A great US Open Men's Finals ... fun to see sports without politics, just tennis. Congrats to the new Austrian champion Dominic Thiem." read one of the tweets.

"Rafa's still my favorite, but since he wasn't there this yr, I was rooting for Thiem. I really enjoy watching him play. So happy for him, winning his 1st major title. Amazing match by both finalists! Congrats Dominic Thiem! What an insane comeback! #USOpen Champion! @ThiemDomi," a fan tweeted after his win.

One of the fans felt it was a righteous win and that Djokovic's absence mustn't be brought in as part of the discussion. "There is nothing wrong with Thiem winning the US Open. He had nothing to do with Joker getting disqualified.. He played his tennis won it fair and square."

Thiem was battling cramps and the win despite the setback won hearts on social media. "It was dramatic. Zverev played his best but Thiem was at 10% and injured. Very dramatic," opined one of the fans who caught the game.

With the win, Thiem also became the first player to win by making a comeback after two losing sets in the US Open since 1949. Post the win, he spoke of the game and Zverev praising his opponent. "We started to know each other back in 2014 and developed straight away a great friendship, and 2016 our great rivalry started,” Thiem said. “We made great things happen on the court and off the court. I wish we could have two winners today. We both deserved it. You’re going to make it, 100%, make your parents proud."

"Congratulations  Dominic Thiem on your epic win tonight @usopen! Your tenacity to fight back despite 2 sets down and the tie break was absolutely inspiring!!! You made history for Austria and have become the first millennial to win the Men’s Championship #usopen," read one of the comments.

"At the start of the year, after winning Australian Open #Djokovic had consoled Thiem by saying he will win a Slam. Little did he knew, his prophetic words will get him defaulte," said a fan who recollected the exchange between the two players.

What are your thoughts on Thiem's US Open win?