Dominic Thiem: Facing Rafael Nadal At The French Open Is One Of The Toughest Tests In Sports

You won’t find many finding fault with Dominic Thiem’s argument that trying to beat Rafael Nadal at the French Open is one of the toughest things to do not just in tennis but in all of sports.

In 102 matches, only twice has Nadal lost at the French Open. Thiem knows that all to well having lost to Nadal four times in seven tournaments, twice in the final.

And because the draw unfolded with Nadal along with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer all his opposite half, Thiem wouldn’t face Rafa until the final.

“I think that all of them are super tough to play, and all of them have their favorite surface, as well,” Thiem said of the Big 3. “But in my opinion, to play Rafa here on the Chatrier court, it’s still the toughest challenge.

But I guess also outside of tennis, it’s probably one of the most difficult things ever in sports in general to beat him here on this court, as his 102 matches is incredible, and as I said, one of the biggest achievements ever in sport. So face him here is probably the most difficult still.”

Thiem opens play Sunday against Spanish veteran Pablo Andujar. Thiem could face Casper Ruud in the fourth round and Alexander Zverev in the quarters.