Its actually physically impossible for Thiem to play well at Roland Garros vs. Rafa, because Rafa makes the ball bounce too high for Thiem's backhand, causing very weak replies for Rafa to put away.
Thiem at Barcelona is completely irrelevant, just as Thiem at 2017 Rome and 2018 Madrid was completely irrelevant, because the ball simply doesn't bounce as high on those courts.
Thiem beat Rafa in straight sets on clay, 3 years in a row, and none of it helps Thiem on Roland Garros clay.
If Rafa gets injured, then Thiem can win a set here, otherwise I seriously doubt Thiem will win a set
Ah, no it was always going to be a beatdown.
Thiem is clueless in this match-up with Rafa at Roland Garros.
In fact its not even intellectual, its more a lack of talent.
Thiem's backhand isn't capable of bossing Rafa on Roland Garros clay.