It very much depends on the draw just as this US open did Where Tim had a great early draw to find form.In theory he may have represented the biggest threat for Nadal. But he must be physically and mentally exhausted and will have nearly zero préparation on clay. What do you think?
Not sure if it is better to play Nadal in final or before. Nadal is always at his peak in final.
You raised a good point about temperature. It may also rain, and conditions be more humid than in June.It very much depends on the draw just as this US open did Where Tim had a great early draw to find form.
I have ruled out Tim taking a wildcard in to Hamburg, but as I realize that the cramping and physical stress in the final was more the pressure of the moment and not the strain from the tournament I think it possible he might play.
Without some play at Hamburg, Tim will need a safe draw in the first couple rounds at RG To play into form. Physically he should be fine as his U.S. Open run was a romp in the park with only one set Lost to Cilic before the final And he cruise the first two sets of that match so I don't think it was very taxing.
Weather is just a huge factor and I'm quite confident the Tim would not have won this US open if the weather had been maybe even it's average typical temperature. this will be a huge factor at Roland Garros; With a little October heat wave it'll be Nadal's typical conditions and an uphill battle for the field, but if it's unseasonably cool in October then it will be open season on the Dull especially for Tim.
This is a tennis board
Take RG talk to odds and ends
Yeterday was the worst I've ever seen him, physically. His body totally gave out on him by the end.Physically he'll be fine. He is one of the fittest players, or the fittest player on tour.
I just couldn't agree more.Dominic Thiem's level of play is enough to grant him a win over Nadal at the FO.
The problem has always been mental and physical.
Now, we can assume that after beating Nadal at the AO and winning his first major, he's closer than ever.
But, he needs to reach the final in a good shape.
Yes you re right. A long time agoHe's never lost a SF there either...
Actually I think he never lost after QF.He's never lost a SF there either...
Tell this to SoderlingHe's never lost a SF there either...
Well Nadal is 13-0 in the final and 13-0 in the semi. There's not much difference when you're talking about RGdalNot sure if it is better to play Nadal in final or before. Nadal is always at his peak in final.
/threadHe can be in his best physical and mental form, but he will fall short to Rafa on Philip Chatrier
How much time does he have to get ready? Skipping Rome was very smart. He's still a top 3 favorite.In theory he may have represented the biggest threat for Nadal. But he must be physically and mentally exhausted and will have nearly zero preparation on clay. What do you think?
True, but why with his legendary 7 hour training blocks was he cramping? Thiem is the last player I would ever envision cramping. That was bizarre.Physically he'll be fine. He is one of the fittest players, or the fittest player on tour.
Nadal lost to Soderling in the fourth round match in 2009, not a QF or semi.Tell this to Soderling
And verily the exception that proves the rule. That Nadal is invincible at RG. How much evidence do people need at this point?Nadal lost to Soderling in the fourth round match in 2009, not a QF or semi.
That honestly may help him out a bit. He knows that the biggest thing will talk about in terms of his legacy was whether or not he had a slam. He was never going to win enough for the amount to be staggering. With his status as a HOF player and slam champion secure he should be able to play more freely.I wouldn't be surprised if he had a let down after winning the USO. It's only normal. He hasn't yet learnt how to keep his focus up after a big win yet.
Plus, he is not chasing any slam records so the motivation for RG might not be there.
There is not much time to recover and he won’t have Rome to prepare on clay.
No chance. Will not make the 2nd week. Achilles problem, was totally spent, mentally will be exhausted, Thiem is not a threat this year at RG. It will be a Nadal v Djokovic final. Only intersting thing will be if wawrinka lands in Djokovic halfIn theory he may have represented the biggest threat for Nadal. But he must be physically and mentally exhausted and will have nearly zero preparation on clay. What do you think?
Agreed. A fully rested Thiem could not beat Nadal at RG!In theory he may have represented the biggest threat for Nadal. But he must be physically and mentally exhausted and will have nearly zero preparation on clay. What do you think?
Thiem should have fair chance at winning RG, but he will need a lot of luck, especially with the draw. He really needs some easy early rounds, and it would be better for him to get Nadal first then Djokovic than the other way around, then hope Zverev and Medvedev are on Djok's half.
I can imagine Zverev, Wawrinka, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, Monfils and Schwartzman defeating Djokovic at RG.
The whole worlds reaction to this prediction:I can imagine Zverev, Wawrinka, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, Monfils and Schwartzman defeating Djokovic at RG.
He'll have all the practice in the world in the early rounds. He'll be fine.I think he does. We don't know yet how Nadal will return from hibernation. For all we know the Spaniard's form might be very underwhelming. He's usually a guy who needs tons of practice and matches to get going.
How good are Medvedev and Tsitsipas on clay?I can imagine Zverev, Wawrinka, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, Monfils and Schwartzman defeating Djokovic at RG.
You seem to be kidding, but I think Wawa and Zed have realistic chance to beat Nole there.
How good are Medvedev and Tsitsipas on clay?