World No.3 Dominic Thiem is looking to take Rafael Nadal’s throne at French Open. Rafa is undoubtedly the ‘king of clay’, but Thiem’s performances at the French Open in the past five years have earned him the title of ‘prince of clay’.
Now, with the added confidence of being a Grand Slam champion, Thiem will be looking to finally ascend Rafa, but Diego Schwartzman stands in his way with the two set to face off in the quarterfinal of the French Open 2020.
Dominic Thiem vs Diego Schwartzman: Preview
Thiem came into the French Open after winning US Open 2020. And not having played any clay-court matches before the French Open, Thiem has so far played with great zeal and optimism.
As he is a two-time runner-up at Roland Garros, expectations are high. His earlier round matches had champion written all over it. Even when he was challenged by Hugo Gaston in the 4th round, Thiem showed us that he can win matches from crunch situations. His forehand is really flowing right now, and he has arguably become the second-best clay-court player currently on the tour.
Coming to Diego Schwartzman, he will be delighted with his French Open 2020 journey. Having ticked a lot of boxes, the Argentine hasn’t dropped a set yet. Diego played the Italian Open prior to the French Open and finished as the runner-up to Novak Djokovic.
But the highlight was his straight-set victory over the mighty Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals of the same tournament. Even with his small stature he is able to find some ridiculous angles in his strokes and has improved his defense, which enables him to stay alive in the long rallies on clay.
Thiem vs Schwartzman: Head-to-head
Although they have faced each other eight times, this will be their first meeting at a Grand Slam event. Thiem leads the head-to-head 6-2. The Austrian also has won their last three encounters. On clay, though, Thiem narrowly leads 2-1.
Thiem vs Schwartzman: Prediction
Thiem undoubtedly starts as the heavy favorite for this clash. The two players are good friends and know each other’s game really well. In an otherwise flawless French Open 2020, Thiem showed some signs of vulnerability in his 4th round game against Gaston.
The absence of a plan B was felt in Thiem’s game. Against Gaston’s drop shots, Thiem had no counterattack, and it was his experience that won him the match in the end. With Thiem admitting not being at his optimal fitness level, we are in for a close clash.
Schwartzman always amazes fans and players with his power-hitting despite his relatively small stature. He can defend well and transition into an attack in an instant, which was quite evident in his match against Rafa Nadal at the Italian Open.
Although he possesses a decent serve, Schwartzman is a great returner. And often, when Thiem is troubled, it is his service that falters first. So, if Schwartzman can get some great returns in, Thiem could be in trouble. But with the confidence that comes with becoming a Grand Slam champion, it looks like Thiem might edge out Schwartzman for tomorrow’s clash.
Prediction: Dominic Thiem to win in four sets.
Read More: “Not Running on a Full Tank” – Dominic Thiem Ahead of His Quarterfinal Battle at French Open 2020
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