One of the big benefits for players in grand slam tournaments is the ability to have a day off in between matches. However, Dominic Thiem hasn’t had that luxury ahead of his ultimate task at the French Open.
Poor weather during the second week of the Paris major threw the scheduling of matches into turmoil. With Thiem being one of those player’s to feel the brunt of it. After rain washed out play on Wednesday, Thiem played his quarter-final match the day after. Defeating Karen Khachanov in straight sets. Then came a controversial two-day clash with the formidable Novak Djokovic. Their match was postponed on Friday, due to forecasts of bad weather. However, the decision was made with three hours of daylight left. During their match, Djokovic said the conditions were like a ‘hurricane.’
“I feel good. Luckily I didn’t have so many long matches before today.” Thiem told reporters on Saturday. “Today and yesterday, of course, were tough. It’s probably a little bit more difficult to play these four hours with all the interruption than if you played in one time.”
“But still, I’m feeling fine. I’m full of adrenaline, of course, still for today’s match, and also I will have that tomorrow. So I’m not going to be tired. It’s all going to come after the tournament.”
Thiem’s final opponent is king of clay Rafael Nadal. A record breaking 11-time winner of the tournament. Nadal’s run to the final has been more straightforward. He has only dropped one set in the entire tournament and, more crucially has not played on consecutive days. Compared to Thiem, Who will be playing for the fourth day in a row on Sunday.
Last week tournament director Guy Forget hinted that a Monday Final could happen, but that request has been denied. Nicolas Massu, who is the coach of Thiem, asked about the possibility of delaying the final. Only to be told ‘no chance.’
“They said there is no chance,” Massu revealed.
“I don’t know if it’s good luck or bad luck, because one part of the draw play one day before and the other part of the draw play one day after. And Dominic was playing the last three days in a row. The other part of the draw… they are not in the same situation.”
Fresh off defeating the world No.1, Thiem has been backed by his mentor to give it his all. 12 months ago at the French Open the Spaniard lost in straight sets to Nadal in the final.
“Dominic is a guy who practiced many, many hours in his life. I think that he will do everything tomorrow to try to recover, and we try to think in this match.” Said Massu.
“Sometimes the things are not in the way that you want, but you have to play the match and you have to do your best. You never know what happens. It’s a final of a slam and he’s going to try to give 100%.”
Thiem has defeated Nadal four times on the clay, but trails their head-to-head 4-8.
The final will take place on Sunday at 13:00 GMT on the Philippe Chatrier Court.
