I’ll have to dig deep and fight to beat Dominic Thiem, admits Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal says he is expecting a war against Dominic Thiem on Sunday – and he is prepared for it.

The world number one faces Thiem in the final of the French Open as he chases an unprecedented 11th title.

However, after tasting defeat to the Austrian twice in their last four meetings, including their last in the Madrid Masters, Nadal insists this could be his biggest ever test at Roland Garros.

“Sunday will be the moment when I have to give everything I have inside,” said Nadal. “I have to fight until the end and I have to have a clear plan at the time of coming out on the court,.

“For that, I’m going to practice tomorrow with this idea in mind. I know I have to give a little more than I have given until now in this tournament.

“This extra thing I have to give, I feel I have it inside me, but I have to go and get it.

“I have to find it inside me and find the right options for Sunday, the options that will be the right ones to succeed. But I will have to fight, and I’ll do my best.

“I can’t tell you more. The behaviour and the mentality will be there, but the tennis can fail. You never know. You have to be prepared.”

ATP Tour Dominic Thiem French Open Grand Slams Rafael Nadal

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