“It’s huge to be in the US Open final. I’m super, super happy, super, super relieved but there is one more step to go,” insisted the world No.3.
"It is all or nothing. If I win I have my first Slam. If not, it’s probably getting in my head soon, I have to call Andy Murray and ask how it is with 0-4."
The 26-year-old is joking about calling 2012 US Open champion Murray, but even these light-hearted comments prove its on his mind.
Friday’s 6-2, 7-6(7), 7-6(5) semi-final triumph over last year’s finalist Daniil Medvedev encapsulated the Austrian’s appetite for major silverware.
“Today he played like a real champion,” hailed Medvedev, who served for both the second and third sets, before succumbing to Thiem’s all court craft.
Thiem’s striking was brave and bursting with variety, managing to keep the rhythmic Russian off kilter and off his stride, fending off any threat of a comeback with his “best tennis” at the vital moments.