Austrias Dominic Thiem is aiming to spring a huge shock on Sunday when he meets Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the final of the French Open at Roland-Garros.
Fourth seed Thiem booked a final spot with an epic five-set win over world number one Novak Djokovic in a match that was spread across two days due to weather delays.
Nadal, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, heads into Sundays showpiece having had a full days extra rest and recovery after his straightforward semifinal victory over Roger Federer on Friday.
Also on rt.com King of Clay – Rafael Nadal thrashes Roger Federer to reach French Open final
Sundays meeting between Thiem, 25, and Nadal, 33, is a repeat of last years final at Roland-Garros, which the Spaniard won in straight sets to clinch a record-extending 11th French Open title.
This time round, it will similarly take something extra special from the Austrian to stand any chance against a man universally acclaimed as the greatest ever to play the game on clay.
So, what chance does Thiem stand of victory?
The stats make bleak reading for the Austrian – or indeed anyone facing Nadal in his clay-court element.
The Spaniard first tasted glory in the final on the hallowed Roland-Garros courts in 2005, and has won 11 of the last 14 titles there.
Nadal, seeded second this year, has never lost in the final at the French Open, and aside from last years straight sets win over Thiem he also has two other straight sets wins over the Austrian under his belt in Paris.
Incredibly, Nadals career record at the French Open reads 92 wins and just two defeats.
But, there is a glimmer of hope for Thiem, himself a clay court specialist.
The Austrian is widely recognized as being an improved player from last year, and heads into the encounter ranked fourth in the world.
Also on rt.com No Djok! Dominic Thiem knocks out Novak Djokovic to reach French Open final
He proved his grit and determination against Djokovic – himself arguRead More – Source
Austrias Dominic Thiem is aiming to spring a huge shock on Sunday when he meets Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the final of the French Open at Roland-Garros.
Fourth seed Thiem booked a final spot with an epic five-set win over world number one Novak Djokovic in a match that was spread across two days due to weather delays.
Nadal, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, heads into Sundays showpiece having had a full days extra rest and recovery after his straightforward semifinal victory over Roger Federer on Friday.
Also on rt.com King of Clay – Rafael Nadal thrashes Roger Federer to reach French Open final
Sundays meeting between Thiem, 25, and Nadal, 33, is a repeat of last years final at Roland-Garros, which the Spaniard won in straight sets to clinch a record-extending 11th French Open title.
This time round, it will similarly take something extra special from the Austrian to stand any chance against a man universally acclaimed as the greatest ever to play the game on clay.
So, what chance does Thiem stand of victory?
The stats make bleak reading for the Austrian – or indeed anyone facing Nadal in his clay-court element.
The Spaniard first tasted glory in the final on the hallowed Roland-Garros courts in 2005, and has won 11 of the last 14 titles there.
Nadal, seeded second this year, has never lost in the final at the French Open, and aside from last years straight sets win over Thiem he also has two other straight sets wins over the Austrian under his belt in Paris.
Incredibly, Nadals career record at the French Open reads 92 wins and just two defeats.
But, there is a glimmer of hope for Thiem, himself a clay court specialist.
The Austrian is widely recognized as being an improved player from last year, and heads into the encounter ranked fourth in the world.
Also on rt.com No Djok! Dominic Thiem knocks out Novak Djokovic to reach French Open final
He proved his grit and determination against Djokovic – himself arguRead More – Source
