It was just a matter of time before the emotions arrived on the surface after one of the toughest Grand Slam finals. Alexander Zverev broke down in tears after a heart-breaking 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 7-6(6) loss to Dominic Thiem in the US Open 2020 finals.

The exchange between the two players in the trophy presentation ceremony gave a glimpse of the respect they share. An emotional Zverev started his speech by congratulating one of his greatest rivals but also one of his best friends on the Tour. He then broke down while referring to his parents, who recently tested positive for the coronavirus and could not fly to New York with him.

Respect between the two players

“First of all, I want to congratulate Dominic on the first of many Grand Slams. This is not the only one. I wish you would have missed a little bit more, so I could have held that trophy, but here I am giving the runner-up speech,” Zverev said on the court after receiving the runner-up trophy.

“Obviously I want to thank my team for sticking with me. The last two years haven’t been easy in my tennis career. We’re definitely on the way up. One day we’re going to lift that trophy up together,” he expressed.

Alexander Zverev in tears after emotional final

The tears then started to flow for Zverev as he spoke about his parents.

“They’re always with me in every single tournament that I go to. Unfortunately, my dad and mother tested positive… and they couldn’t have gone with me. I miss them. Man, this is tough. I’m sure they’re sitting at home and even though I lost, they’re pretty proud,” he said further.

Thiem was gracious in victory after one of his toughest matches ever where he struggled with injury and came back from two sets down.

This is Thiem’s 8th win in 10 matches against the German. Despite the loss, it was a breakthrough event for Alexander Zverev who played his first Grand Slam final.