I had a feeling that Halep would beat Stephens as it just seemed like her time to do it and I also have a feeling that Thiem will beat Rafa!
Thiem has the game to beat Rafa which he has shown on clay beating him twice (admittedly over 3 sets). However, I feel that there is less pressure on Thiem to win today as Rafa is considered invincible on the Paris court ( understandably ) but this might give Thiem the chance to relax and execute his tactics ? (Hit the ball in the court near the lines very hard and don't miss!)
The main difficulty will be to close out the match if he gets ahead as only then he might start thinking of the outcome which could be too much for him?
The weather also looks to be in Dominic's favour with the possibility of some rain which Rafa never likes - his loss to Soderling was on a wet day and when he lost the set to little Diego this year it was damp too!
It also just doesn't seem possible or right that Nadal can win 11 titles in Paris. Surely it's time for a change? I feel that it will be as Thiem is also very strong physically which he will need to be when he wins in 5 sets!
Good news is that I'm happy to be entirely wrong as I agree with Jonny Mac who last night said that Nadal was the GCOAT i.e greatest competitor of all time and has inspired so many people all over the world to take up an interest in tennis.
BUT.... it's time for a change and the massive hitting Austrian who trains in the mountains like Rambo is ready!!
Thiem has the game to beat Rafa which he has shown on clay beating him twice (admittedly over 3 sets). However, I feel that there is less pressure on Thiem to win today as Rafa is considered invincible on the Paris court ( understandably ) but this might give Thiem the chance to relax and execute his tactics ? (Hit the ball in the court near the lines very hard and don't miss!)
The main difficulty will be to close out the match if he gets ahead as only then he might start thinking of the outcome which could be too much for him?
The weather also looks to be in Dominic's favour with the possibility of some rain which Rafa never likes - his loss to Soderling was on a wet day and when he lost the set to little Diego this year it was damp too!
It also just doesn't seem possible or right that Nadal can win 11 titles in Paris. Surely it's time for a change? I feel that it will be as Thiem is also very strong physically which he will need to be when he wins in 5 sets!
Good news is that I'm happy to be entirely wrong as I agree with Jonny Mac who last night said that Nadal was the GCOAT i.e greatest competitor of all time and has inspired so many people all over the world to take up an interest in tennis.
BUT.... it's time for a change and the massive hitting Austrian who trains in the mountains like Rambo is ready!!
