“He Has a Really Good Heart”: Dominic Thiem Says Novak Djokovic Deserves All the Love of Fans

Due to a wrist injury, Dominic Thiem could not defend his only Grand Slam title at the US Open 2021. However, like millions of fans around the world, he, too, saw the final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev. And although the fan-favorite Serbian lost that match, Thiem lauded his incredible journey to the final.

Djokovic had a remarkable 27-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments and was a win away from attaining the Calendar Slam. But Medvedev rose to the occasion and spoiled the Serbian’s chance at history. Subsequently, the 34-year-old also broke into tears as he neared the loss.

“We saw what was going on inside him; also what he had accumulated in the last weeks and months. That is simply inhuman,” Thiem said.

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Dominic Thiem on fans supporting Novak Djokovic at the US Open 2021 final

Many famous personalities from Hollywood and the sports world had come to witness the historic day in tennis. But this time, Novak Djokovic couldn’t put forward his best, losing to Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the final.

Despite the loss, the crowd cheered for the Serbian until the very last point. Later on, he admitted during the trophy ceremony that he had never felt so much love. 

Furthermore, Dominic Thiem talked about on the enormous love Djokovic received in New York. “I don’t know him that well, but I think he has a really good heart and has deserved the love of the whole audience here,” Thiem said. “We don’t need to talk about his sporting achievements anyway.”

As a consequence of the loss, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic remain tied at 20 Grand Slams each. The race to 21 will resume next year between the ‘Big 3’.

Watch this story: Brotherhood Moments of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Which Prove Their Love for Each Other

Djokovic going for the record of year-end World No.1s

With the help of frozen ATP Rankings, Djokovic remained World No.1 for the entirety of the 2021 season. Although Medvedev is close to him, it is unlikely that he will surpass the Serbian.

More importantly, if Djokovic finishes as year-end World No.1, he will become the first player to do that seven times. Last year, he equaled the record with American legend Pete Sampras.

For now, both Djokovic and Medvedev have qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Let’s see if the Russian finds a way to dethrone Djokovic near the end of the season.

Also Read: Daniil Medvedev Ahead of Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Federer Out of Top 10: ATP Rankings Without Protected Points System