Austria's Dominic Thiem hopes fourth time's the charm after seizing yet another chance to win his first grand slam tennis title, this time at Flushing Meadows.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a grand slam final three times - only to lose on each occasion - faces German Alexander Zverev in the US Open men's championship match today, aware of the heartbreak should he again be denied.
"It's the biggest goal and also the biggest dream I have in my tennis career since a few years," the world No 3 said.
"Since the moment I realised that maybe one day I can make it, and especially since I played the first finals of the French Open [in 2018]. This was the biggest goal I want to achieve." Thiem lost to Rafa Nadal at Roland Garros in 2018 and 2019.
But his greatest disappointment came at the hands of world No 1 Novak Djokovic in a four-hour-long, five-set thriller at the Australian Open this year.
Thiem leads Zverev 7-2 in head to head, most recently defeating him in the Australian Open semifinals this year.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.