FRENCH OPEN. Nadal, Thiem are now in Paris where are among the top favorites

Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem share a rather intense history together at the French Open as the Spanish sensation defeated the world no.3 twice in the last 2 finals after dismissing the Austrian ace in the 2017 semifinal. However, Dominic is getting closer and closer to Rafa and besides the fact that last year he managed to snatch 1 set from Nadal in the final, after the latest US Open, Thiem is now a slam champion with a much more confidence.

Nadal and Thiem odds to win the French Open

With his 12 titles, Rafa is the absolute owner of the French Open. However, he had a rather disappointing run at the recent Internazionali di Roma after he lost in the quarters by Diego Schwartzman. Apparently, Rafa loses some of his amazing edge on clay during rainy days and when the conditions are particularly heavy and that will be the possible scenario in Paris in the next 2 weeks.

Dominic was in great form at the recent US Open and Rafa’s issue with heavy conditions can be Thiem’s strength, especially in a possible match-up.

Novak Djokovic chasing the title

Obviously, one of the contenders for the title will be Novak Djokovic that with the exception of when he defaulted at the US Open, he hasn’t lost a single match this year. The Serbian legend impressed for the fact that he has won the recent Internazionali d’Italia without playing at all his best tennis. Therefore, the world no.1 can definitely beat Nadal in Paris if he peaks and according to Mats Wilander, the Serbian ace is even the top favorite to win the French slam.

Nadal and Thiem posting pictures and videos of them in Paris

Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem are both in Paris right now. Nadal published a great video of an illuminated Eiffel Tower. The King of Clay went briefly back to Mallorca after losing in Rome to then head to France.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFfZRy2ihMp/

Dominic decided to take some time off after winning the US Open to skip the Internazionali d’Italia. Thiem got injured to his Achille in the second week in New York and therefore he had to get some rest.

The world no.3 posted a couple of pictures of his heading to France and by the Eiffel Tower.

Rafael Nadal

Now ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 19^th of September when he surrendered to Diego Schwartzman 6-2 7-5 in the quarter in Rome.

This season the Spaniard has a 15-4 win-loss record. Rafael clinched 1 title in Acapulco.

Dominic Thiem in 2020

Ranked no.3 (career-high), the Austrian played his last match on the 13^th of September when he defeated Alexander Zverev 2-6 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6⁶ in the final of the U.S. Open to win his 17^th career title.

Currently, this year the Austrian has a 16-5 win-loss record. Dominic clinched 1 title at the U.S. Open. Thiem reached the final 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 played each other, Dominic Thiem won 7-6³ 7-6⁴ 4-6 7-6⁶ in the quarter in Melbourne (Australian Open) on the 29^th of January 2020.