Thiem beat Germany's Alexander Zverev in the epic five-setter at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, and this despite carrying an injury and showing sides of discomfort.

The 2nd seeded needed 4hr 2min to beat the fifth seed 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6).

This is the 27-year-olds' first-ever Grand Slam title after winning playing in the French Open final twice and losing in this final of this year’s Australian Open.

Speaking of his win, Thiem, conceded that it was tough being out on court but the fact that it was a Grand Slam final served as motivation.

“It was tough to stay there and to still believe, but I did. It's a Slam final...the belief was always there.

“From that moment when I broke him back, the belief got stronger and stronger. But the thing is that the belief in myself is not enough because Sascha, I'm sure he believed himself as well, 100 percent.

“It was such a big relief. Obviously it was huge pressure in the match, huge emotions. Physically it was super tough. Then also it was not an easy four weeks in general. It was a lot coming through the mind, coming through the body.”

Thiem's win means he becomes the first new winner of a Grand Slam since Croatia's Marin Cilic won the 2014 US Open.

He is also the first Grand Slam champion other than Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer since Stan Wawrinka won the 2016 US Open.

In addition, he is the first player in 71 years to fight back from two sets down to win a Grand Slam final.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport