Jose Mourinho writes special message on his VIP tennis pass before giving it to rising star Dominic Thiem

DOMINIC THIEM’s received a special surprise following his narrow loss to Novak Djokovic at the ATP World Tour Finals – meeting his hero Jose Mourinho.

The 23-year-old Austrian won the first set before he was eventually defeated by the Serb at the O2 in London on Sunday.

Manchester United boss Mourinho was in attendance in south London to watch the action unfold, and he enjoyed a chat with the impressive youngster following the match.

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A delighted Thiem said: “It was amazing to meet him. He has been a big idol to me for twelve years already, managing my big love Chelsea.

“It was just a great pleasure to meet him and I think he really loves tennis and really into it and a really nice guy.

“It was straight after my match, so obviously I was a little bit down, but meeting him helped me to get back up again.”

Mourinho was certainly impressed by Thiem’s opening set victory over Djokovic, describing it as “amazing”.

Thiem said: “That made me feel really happy and I hope it is not the last time that I meet him.

“Maybe he will see some more of my matches.”

And the Portuguese coach had a present for the ace too, which he signed along with the message “a star is born”.

Thiem revealed: “He gave me his accreditation with some nice words on the back.

“That was a very nice present and it will get a special place in my home.”