After Thiem was presented with a special photo frame of memories from the US Open, Shelton stepped up to pay tribute to the 17-time title winner. "First of all, I just want to say congrats to him and his team on an outstanding Grand Slam career that they’ve had. Four finals, a title is something that kids can only dream about sitting on the couch at home which is me not too long ago," he said.

"So it couldn’t happen to better people. I always love seeing Domi’s face, Moritz [Thiem, his brother], always smiling as well. Your team does it the right way. I’m sorry that this was the way it ended but congrats on everything, you have so much to be proud of and so many people love you out here."