Covid-19 Sunday, September 13, 2020, I saw NFL football, MLB baseball, NBA basketball, NHL hockey, F1 Racing, and a tennis match.
The U.S. Open Championship match between Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev may not get into the conversation of “Greatest Match Ever,” as there were double-faults, odd unforced errors, and defensive (and offensive) nervousness. That said, this was more than a tennis match. It was an experience, an inspiration, a tragedy, and a teaching moment on many levels.
What happened, you ask?
Two friends that are two of a select few players that have been trying to break through the dominance of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic had an opportunity to win a Major Tennis Title, got their opportunity at the same time.
Zverev took complete control of the match, so much so, that bazzillions of earthlings changed the channel or left their TV viewing area altogether.
Somewhere in the third set, the tide turned and later evened, making the next two’ish hours a grinding five-set streetfight of ballistic angles, nervousness, and exhaustive effort.
I don’t know how to put it into words, but Thiem’s effort to do what he did was inspiring to say the least. It was truly a, “Never Give Up,” moment. That said, Zverev was cruising and so dominating, that I’m sure he saw the U.S Open Trophy in his hands, and then didn’t.
Time will tell how Zverev will use this moment. He may be a multi-major champion Hall of Famer, or an almost great top tier player.
The way this chapter turned out, I can’t help but pull for Zverev to hold a few above his head. Moreover, in this instance, what Thiem did has me shaking my head hours after I was yelling at my TV and is the most inspiring thing I’ve seen in a while.
The 2020 U.S. Open Championship match was awesome, crowd or no crowd.
Thank you!
Franklin Jones
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