Nadal is the Ultimate Challenge: Thiem

Austria’s Dominic Thiem believes that no other player poses a bigger threat that Rafael Nadal. The Austrian was speaking in Hamburg ahead of his opening round match against Corentin Moutet. The last time he played an official clay court match was in June at the French Open final. That day he lost to Nadal, who wrapped up a record 11 French Open titles.

Thiem said: ‘At the beginning I was frustrated, but it was a very good tournament for me and finding motivation again wasn’t complicated for me. Nadal is the ultimate challenge. He is difficult to beat especially at the Roland Garros. I think Rafa is also one of the best sportsmen, not only in tennis. He is there from the first to the last point. Playing Nadal is just horrible‘.

The 24-year-old admitted that he would love to have a Grand Slam under his belt. Upon analysing his game style he believes that Roland Garros would be the ideal Slam. However, he did say that he would like to win elsewhere as well.

Speaking on his match with Moutet, Thiem added: ‘Playing against a qualifier is always tough. Moutet is very confident and already played two matches. I never played against him, but I saw some matches, he is a big talent. I hope he doesn’t show it tomorrow and can keep it for himself.’

He also said that the back injury suffered at Wimbledon is all but a faded memory. Thiem feels upto 100% especially with his break for a few days after Wimbledon. Now, he is back to practice a little bit more compared to how he was a week ago.

Thiem has beaten Moutet in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-2. He will next face Australia’s John Millman who defeated Jan-Lennard Struff, 7-5, 6-3 in the Hamburg Open.