By Richard Pagliaro
Novak Djokovic was transfixed by an epic US Open final—and deeply moved by what he saw.
Alexander Zverev opened a two-set lead on Dominic Thiem and later served for the match at 5-3 in the final set before the second-seeded Thiem roared back for a 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(6) US Open comeback win to capture his first career Grand Slam championship.
More: Thiem Tops Zverev in Fifth-Set Tiebreaker
The world No. 1 paid tribute to both of his fellow Adria Tour competitors in an Instagram post thanking them for the competive character exuded throughout a tense four-hour final.
"This is what sport is all about," Djokovic wrote. "Respect, appreciation and friendship. Regardless of the rivalry these two guys have and the amazing battle they had yesterday, they still showed big heart and inspired many tennis players.
"Thank you 🙏 both Domi and Sasha for standing strong for your character values and seeing always what matters the most - love and respect for each other."
The 27-year-old Thiem, who failed to finish a two-sets-to-one lead over Djokovic in the Australian Open final in February joined the legendary Pancho Gonzales as just the second man in the 140-year history of the tournament to fight back from two sets down to win the US Open final.
Photo credit: Novak Djokovic Instagram