Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem: bitter duel among friends
The final of the French Open between Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem was a bitter duel at eye level, at least in the beginning. After the match, the two protagonists spoke to each other in the highest tones.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Jun 10, 2019, 12:03 am
"It takes 90 hours for a point to be played. It's pointless," said Dominic Thiem in the eighth game of the endgame at the Stade Roland Garros. The Austrian was under a lot of pressure during this phase of the game and complained about the long breaks of his opponent Rafael Nadal during the rally.
It should remain the only little "dispute" of the two who scattered roses after the match. "You are one of the best role models on the tour. Thank you for being a great inspiration for me and a lot of small children around the world. If I wanted to lose against someone, it would be against you - because you deserve it," said Nadal, who had already described Thiem as a "close friend on tour" after the 2018 US Open quarter-finals, at the award ceremony.
The Spaniard hadn't been so warm in the past three hours. With almost incredible brutality, the now 18-time Grand Slam winner took advantage of Thiem's increasingly heavy legs and let the Austrian do many unrewarded meters, especially in sets three and four.
Thiem: "These are crazy numbers"
As an excuse, Thiem did not want to accept the marathon match against Novak Djokovic : "I felt good and was full of adrenaline." The Austrian also emphasized that the encounter against the Serb would of course have left its mark. Rather, it was Nadal's mercy, especially at the beginning of the third movement, that made the difference.
All have failed.
Dominic Thiem
"Twelve finals, twelve titles - these are crazy numbers," said Thiem. "Anyone who tried to beat him failed," said the fourth in the world rankings, referring to the Mallorcan 12-0 record in Paris finals .
Nevertheless: The first set win in his fourth French Open duel against Nadal gives Thiem confidence for the future. "Rafa and I have both improved compared to last year. I will continue to try to get closer to him," said the 25-year-old. Perhaps he will succeed in the very big coup in the coming year - then there could be another bitter duel among friends.