EXCLUSIVE: Tim Henman picks a surprise winner for the 2020 French Open

Former British No 1 and Eurosport analyst Tim Henman is NOT backing Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic to add to their collection of Grand Slam trophies at the French Open.
Instead, he is backing newly crowned US Open champion Dominic Thiem to topple the “Big Two” in Paris, with the Austrian in sparkling form despite his draining win in New York at the end of last month.
“I would pick Thiem to win this tournament,” Henman told Tennis365. “He has got the US Open title under his belt in such extraordinary circumstances. He was the one who was knocking on the door of three Grand Slam finals.
“It could be that scenario of ‘London buses’ – you can’t win one, and then you win two in a row. I just think these type of conditions, and with the power he is able to generate, Dominic would be my pick.
“Rafa plays with more spin, for example. To be able to hit through the court could be advantageous. I think definitely the winner will come from those three – if I had to pick a winner, I’d pick Thiem.
“Of the other players, I don’t any of them breaking through in this tournament. I think those three are playing at a higher level.
“I really do think, as sure as one can be, that the winner will come from one of those three.”
EXCLUSIVE: Tim Henman on what happens next for Andy Murray
Henman believes Thiem’s US Open win will have changed his mindset when he takes on the game’s modern icons, as he has now joined the ranks of major winners after a host of near misses.
“He will be more relaxed, he knows he can win a Slam,” says Henman, who was a four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist in his own stellar tennis career.
“I still think clay is his best surface. He won a hardcourt slam, but this is a different challenge because Rafa is in the draw and this is Rafa’s ‘home’ territory as it were having won here 12 times. This is potentially an even bigger challenge but I think the belief is there.
Tim Henman is a tennis expert for Eurosport. All courts and all matches from Roland-Garros will be live on Eurosport and Eurosport app throughout the tournament.
Follow Kevin Palmer on Twitter @RealKevinPalmer
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Heather Watson ‘pretty relaxed’ as she looks to break new ground at Wimbledon
This is Heather Watson’s fourth time in the Wimbledon third round.
-
Wimbledon
Liam Broady hails ‘amazing feeling’ after beating Diego Schwartzman for biggest win of his career
The British No 5 lost 11 games in a row but fought back to down the 12th seed.
-
Wimbledon
Kyle Edmund set to end 18-month injury nightmare with Wimbledon mixed doubles appearance
The former world No 14 will play mixed doubles in SW19.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon Centre Court delight for Katie Boulter and home crowd as she upsets Karolina Pliskova
Katie Boulter reached the third round of Wimbledon for the first time in her career.
-
Wimbledon
John McEnroe with strong words for Emma Raducanu – ‘Back up the hype’
John McEnroe once again not holding back in his views of Emma Raducanu.
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios on his best behaviour as he gives critics a ‘gentle reminder’ of his talents
The Australian raced past Queen’s Club finalist Filip Krajinovic.
-
Wimbledon
Heather Watson gets the job done after eight minutes of play on Thursday
Heather Watson moves along after victory over Wang Qiang.
-
Wimbledon
Alastair Gray’s Wimbledon singles journey ended by Taylor Fritz in the second round
The Twickenham ace battled well against the world No 14.
-
Wimbledon
Sarah Beth Grey eyes Wimbledon singles debut after making her return just months after heart surgery
Grey went under the knife after a routine check-up picked up an irregular heartbeat.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon attendance figures: Fewer bums on seats when compared to 2019
Analysis shows the lowest cumulative attendance since 2016.