Supplement your enjoyment of the French Open with comments from Deconstructing Tennis author, Bob Schewior.
This Preview blog is meant to be read before the start of the match between Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem.
Being an excellent observer is a part of having a complete mental game. Schewior will point out exactly WHAT to pay attention to and WHEN in his real time commentary.
Learning how to "see" what is happening not only makes a match more fun to watch, but it will also make you a better competitor.
Preview:
Any commentary is forced to begin with Rafa's greatness on the red clay at Roland Garros. It is unequaled.
So, the only and obvious question is IF Thiem can unseat him, and if so, what will it take?
First a few general comments: In this tournament, Thiem has played much more within himself, very rarely overplaying when not necessary. This means that he is making fewer unforced errors than usual. So, question #1: can Thiem remain within himself for most of the match or will he contribute to a Nadal victory with his own unforced errors?
In addition, Rafa has experienced more difficulty holding serve in his last 2 matches. Schwartman especially was able to win a significant number of the longer rallies. Against both Schwartzman and Del Potro, Nadal was able to save break points with 3 shot rallies. Either serve-return-drop or serve-return- bludgeon. If Thiem can stand in 2 steps on his return on these points and thereby get the ball deeper, Rafa will have to play longer rallies to save his serve. As pardoxical as this sounds, this will not be good for Rafa.
Recent meetings sort of cancel each other out. Rafa winning big in their first encounter this spring and Thiem winning in Madrid. I don't think the recent past will have anything to do with this match. It will be all about the here and now.
Thiem is also coming to the net more often, but his volley is unreliable. Let's keep an eye out and see how his volley holds up in the final.
So, can Thiem win? Each of these pieces needs to come together ... and that is just to give himself a chance.
Rafa in 3 or 4 sets.
