Dominic Thiem defends hugging Alexander Zverev at net after US Open final: We didn't put anybody in danger

US Open 2020 final: While racket taps replaced customary post-match handshakes at the Flushing Meadows, champion Dominic Thiem and his 'good friend' Alexander Zverev exchanged a hug after the hard-fought final on Sunday.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dominc Thiem said he and Alexander Zverev didn't harm anyone by hugging at the net
• We were both tested negative 14 times or something like that, this week: Zverev
• Racket taps had replaced post-match customs at US Open due to Covid-19 restrictions

It was heartwarming to see Dominic Theim embrace Alexander Zverev after their hard-fought US Open 2020 final. In what was a showcase of mutual respect and friendship, the two young tennis stars shared a handshake and hug after the 4-hour-long seesaw final at the Flushing Meadows on Sunday.

While handshakes and hugs are customary in a normal world, the novel coronavirus pandemic has changed the way the world is operating. With social distancing becoming crucial, racket taps had replaced handshakes and hugs at the US Open which was played in front of empty stands.

At the end of a draining 5-setter, Dominic Thiem achieved his childhood dream of winning a Grand Slam title. For Alexander Zverev, the dream slipped away as he let go of a 2-set advantage. Zverev gave it his all to stay in the match but in the end, it was Thiem who edged his 'good friend' by in an unprecedented 5th-set tie-breaker.

Even as Thiem lay flat on the ground, celebrating his triumph, Zverev crossed over to the other side of the net and waited for the Austrian before the 2 youngsters shook hands and hugged.

Asked what he was feeling when they exchanged a hug after the marathon final, Thiem said: "We are really good friends, we have a long-term friendship, long-term rivalry. We were both tested negative 14 times or something like that, this week. We wanted to share this moment and I guess, we didn't put anybody in danger. So, I think it was fine."

The camaraderie between Thiem and Zverev was visible in the way the two addressed each other at the presentation ceremony. Thiem consoled the teary-eyed German, wishing him Grand Slam success sooner than later.

Notably, women's doubles champions Laura Siegemund and Vera Zvonareva hugged each other after clinching the US Open title but only after seeking permission from the chair umpire.

Stressing that she had the urge to hug her partner after the memorable triumph, Seigemund said: "I felt already the rounds before, I'm very emotional usually at the end of a match. I'm screaming and jumping. I want to hug my partner, I have this urge.

"That was always kind of awkward to stay away from each other. Today I was like, what the heck. But I asked permission at least."

Going to be a little more relaxed now: Thiem

Meanwhile, Dominic Thiem said releasing his long-standing dream with the US Open triumph will give him the freedom to play with less pressure in the future.

"I expect it's going to be easier for me now in the biggest tournaments," said Thiem.

"I had it in the back of my head that I had a great career so far, way better than I could ever dreamt of, but until today there was still a big goal missing.

"With this achieved, I hope that I'm going to be a little bit more relaxed and play a little bit more freely at the biggest events."