Dominic Thiem: I don’t fear Rafael Nadal and have a plan to beat him
Dominic Thiem admits Rafael Nadal is the huge favourite to win the French Open, but says he has no fear ahead of the match.
The pair will meet in the final at Roland Garros on Sunday – Thiem’s maiden Grand Slam showpiece – with the Spaniard looking to maintain his perfect finals record in Paris and claim his 11th title there.
However, Thiem has beaten the King of Clay twice in their last four meetings on the red dirt, in Madrid and Rome, and he insists he has a plan to come out on top again.
“He’s a big favourite against everybody,” admitted Thiem. “Still, I know how to play against him. I have a plan.
“I will try everything so that my plan is also going to work out a little bit here and not only in Madrid or in Rome.
“If I want to beat him, I have to play that way like I did in Rome and in Madrid. But I’m also aware that here it’s tougher. He likes the conditions more here than in Madrid, for sure. Best of five [sets] is also a different story.
“I’m not the one who has the pressure.”
Latest
-
US OpenDominic Thiem on Emma Raducanu’s US Open win: ‘It’s one of the greatest achievements in women’s sport’
“Perhaps it is the greatest breakthrough of all time,” says Dominic Thiem.
-
US Open‘Unfair that Novak Djokovic is always the bad guy and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the good guys’
“I hope he is treated a little more fairly,” says Boris Becker.
-
Tennis NewsVenus Williams explains backstory behind photo with Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova at Met Gala
Just Venus, Serena and Maria enjoying a laugh in the bathroom at the Met Gala.
-
News‘I think it’s gradually sinking in a bit more,’ says Emma Raducanu after ‘whirlwind experience’
The teenager took part in a round of breakfast TV and radio interviews.
-
WTA Tour‘People are talking about tennis again,’ revels Boris Becker after ‘Dame Emma Raducanu’s’ heroics
Boris Becker waxes lyrical about Emma Raducanu.
-
Tennis NewsTennis to introduce ‘Stefanos Tsitsipas bathroom break rule’ following Greek’s lengthy loo visits?
Stricter rules on the cards following furore over Stefanos Tsitsipas’ loo breaks.
-
Tennis NewsLTA chief insists Emma Raducanu will not lose focus after stunning rise to the top
Lloyd has called for the newly-crowned US Open champion to be given “breathing space”.
-
Tennis NewsEmma Raducanu delighted to return back in the UK and reunite with her father
Raducanu was pictured outside her house after travelling back from New York.
-
Tennis NewsShock defeat for Andy Murray as he is beaten in Rennes
The Russian is ranked 42 places below Murray.
-
Tennis NewsJohn McEnroe speaks for the first time about comments over Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon exit
John McEnroe has insisted he has no regrets over his Emma Raducanu comments.