Rafael Nadal had a rather tough fortnight this month after he wasn’t able to go beyond the semifinals in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona that are 2 events that he conquered 11 times each.
In Barcelona, Rafa lost to an inspired Dominic Thiem that won the contest 6-4 6-4 after he played a really good match.
It’s really incredible to notice the erratic season of Dominic that was struggling for the first part of the season with the (very) notable exceptions of Indian Wells (where he won the title) and Barcelona where he reached the final after beating Nadal in straight sets.
Dominic Thiem can become world no. 1
After the match against the Austrian, Rafa had great words for his conqueror and when asked if Thiem can get to the very top of the rankings, Nadal commented
“Why not? Depends. Everybody can be No. 1. Not everybody, but there are a couple players who can be No. 1. It is not an easy thing. But of course it depends on the results he will be able to have.
He’s a good player. He’s a hard worker. So I would love to see him No. 1.
I like him in all terms, as a tennis player, as a hard worker, as a person. So I wish him all the very best for his future, but not everything. I hope to be ready to compete against him and to beat him in the next couple of weeks.”
Dominic is currently ranked no.5 and he might get no.4 in the Year to date rankings if he wins the final in Barcelona. The no.1 rank is getting closer and closer.
