WATCH: Ben Shelton extends heartwarming gesture to Dominic Thiem, asks crowd to cheer for former US Open champ after final Slam appearance ends in 1R
Ben Shelton defeated Dominic Thiem in the 2024 US Open first round. After a warm embrace at the net, Shelton took the lead in appreciating Thiem and asked the crowd to cheer for him as the 30-year-old made his final Grand Slam appearance.
Thiem announced earlier that this was his last season on the tour. He is set to retire after playing in his home tournament in Vienna in October. The Austrian received a wildcard at the 2024 US Open and was drawn against 13th-seed Shelton.
Thiem and Shelton faced off in the first-round encounter on Monday, August 26. The 21-year-old's serving prowess was on display as he won 91% (41/45) of his first-serve points on his way to a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win in one hour and 52 minutes. The American hit 34 winners compared to just 11 from his opponent.
However, after earning the win, Shelton embraced Thiem at the net before gesturing to the crowd to cheer for the Austrian. It was the last time Thiem would grace the Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open - the only Grand Slam title he has won.
Watch Ben Shelton's heartwarming gesture for Dominic Thiem below:
Dominic Thiem relishes the opportunity to play his last US Open match in front of a crowd after 1R loss against Ben Shelton
Dominic Thiem won the 2020 US Open title after defeating Alexander Zverev in the final. He had, however, won the title in front of an empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the 2024 US Open, Thiem had the opportunity to play his final match at the Grand Slam in front of a crowd. After his loss against Ben Shelton in the first round, he received a standing ovation and the Austrian was grateful for their support.
During the on-court interview, Thiem received a framed collage of his best US Open moments.
"It has been 10 years since I first played here. It is actually a really important moment for me, because I had my greatest success here on this court," Dominic Thiem said on the court (via ATP Tour).
"In that weird 2020, in strange and different circumstances. I had this success unfortunately without any of you [the fans] here. It was an amazing moment but on the other hand a bit sad, so I am super happy I got the chance to play my last US Open match on this court."
The 21-year-old Shelton was also quick to shower praise on his opponent. He mentioned how he was one of the kids who used to watch Thiem play at the highest level.
"I want to say congrats to Domi and his team on an outstanding Grand Slam career... Four finals and a title is something only kids can dream about, sitting on the couch at home, which was me not too long ago," Ben Shelton said.
"It could not happen to better people. I always see Domi's face smiling and your team does it the right way. I am sorry this is the way this ended but congrats on everything. You have so much to be proud of," he added.
Shelton will face Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round after the Spaniard got the better of Luca Nardi 7-5, 7-6(3), 7-6(5).