Rafael Nadal is about to commence the bid for his 13th Roland Garros. The Spanish sensation had a rather below-par run for his standards at the recent Internazionali d’Italia where he lost as early as in the quarters at the hands of in inspired Diego Schwartzman. However, even if he is already 34 the King of Clay is still widely considered by many as the top favorite.
Who can beat Nadal at the Roland Garros
Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou is currently focussed on helping the American icon to win her 24th slam. However, the Frenchman has also a prominent ATP player in his stable as Stefanos Tsitsipas has been training at his academy for long. Nevertheless, Patrick doesn’t put Stefanos among the main contenders to threaten Nadal’s empire in Paris. According to Patrick, the Mallorcan needs to watch his back mainly against the assault of Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem.
Why Thiem can win the French Open
During a chat with Tennis Majors, Patrick explained that winning the US Open was an important switch for Dominic. That was his 4th slam final and now he also has a major under his belt which is definitely a great help from a psychological point of view.
Patrick commented:
“I’m sure that the fact that Dominic Thiem has won a Grand Slam will make a switch in his head, and in the future, it might change the outcome of matches in the big stages of the Grand Slams against the big players.
The US Open showed how much he cared, how important it was for him, and how much winning a final of a Grand Slam was such a big thing for him. And I feel like now that he has won, he’s going to be relieved and he’s going to play more freely and that’s why I think he’s going to be much more dangerous in the Grand Slams against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.”
About Serena Williams winning the French Open
While Thiem will play more freely, the same is not valid on women’s side for Serena. The American legend seems to be overanxious about finally clinching her elusive 24th major and match Margaret Court’s record. However, that has been a huge obstacle for her winning a major. Once against, Patrick Mouratoglou will do everything he can to help Serena overcoming this psychological barrier.
Rafael Nadal in 2020
Now ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 19th of September when he was defeated by Diego Schwartzman 6-2 7-5 in the quarter in Rome.
This year Rafael has a 15-4 win-loss record. The Spaniard clinched 1 title in Acapulco.
Dominic Thiem in 2020
Ranked world no.3 (career-high), Thiem played his last match on the 13th of September when he beat Alexander Zverev 2-6 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-66 in the final of the U.S. Open to win his 17th career title.
Presently, this year Thiem has a 16-5 win-loss record. The Austrian has won 1 title at the U.S. Open. Dominic was the finalist at the Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem played each other 14 times. The head to head is 9-5 for Nadal. The last time that they locked horns, Dominic Thiem won 7-63 7-64 4-6 7-66 in the quarter in Melbourne (Australian Open) on the 29th of January 2020.
Novak Djokovic in 2020
Currently ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 21st of September when he beat Diego Schwartzman 7-5 6-3 in the final in Rome to win his 81st career title.
At present, this year Novak has a 31-1 win-loss record. Novak clinched 4 titles in 2020 at the Australian Open, in Dubai, in New York and in Rome.
Serena Williams in 2020
Ranked world no.9, Serena Williams played her last match on the 10th of September when she surrendered to Victoria Azarenka 1-6 6-3 6-3 in the semifinal of the U.S. Open.
At present, this year Serena Williams has a 16-5 win-loss record. Serena has won 1 title in Auckland.
