On Friday, nine-time champion Rafael Nadal will face sixth seed Dominic Thiem for a place in the Roland Garros final.
Thiem is the only player to defeat Rafa on clay this season and sealed a return to the last four in Paris with a sensational 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-0 upset of defending champion Novak Djokovic.
Neither Rafa nor Thiem have dropped a set in reaching the last four, with our champ losing just 22 games through five matches.
Date: June 9, 2017
Match time: [UPDATED] Rafa is second on court Philippe Chatrier. Not before 3:30 PM local time / 9:30 AM EDT – New York, Montreal / 2:30 PM BST – United Kingdom / 3:30 PM CET – Spain, France, Germany, Italy / 11:30 PM AEDT – Melbourne. To convert to your local time, use this website.
Rafa on playing Thiem:
Thiem is a tough player. I won in Barcelona, Madrid, and I lost to him in Rome. So either you play well and you advance to the next round or you lose and you’re out.
In Rome it was not a good day for me. I was not in a position to play well the way I wanted to. He put me in a difficult situation, so it’s up to me to avoid being put in uncomfortable situations.
He’s a very good player. He hits the ball very hard. He’s very powerful on both sides. Forehand, backhand, serve. These weapons are quite good. He has a huge potential to tap, and he can hit the ball very hard. He doesn’t give you a lot of options.
Thiem on playing Rafa:
I think on Friday is coming the toughest opponent ever here in Roland Garros. Gonna be the fourth match against him in, like, five or six weeks. Not really big secrets. Well, he’s again in his best shape. So it’s going be the toughest match that you can imagine.
Since the beginning of 2016, they’ve faced off five times (all on clay), with Rafa winning three and Thiem two. It was the Austrian who emerged victorious in their last meeting, however, winning 6-4 6-3 in Rome three weeks ago.
| YEAR | EVENT | SURFACE | RND | WINNER | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome Italy |
Outdoor Clay | QF | Dominic Thiem |
64 63 |
| 2017 | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid Spain |
Outdoor Clay | F | Rafael Nadal |
768 64 |
| 2017 | Barcelona Spain |
Outdoor Clay | F | Rafael Nadal |
64 61 |
| 2016 | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Monte Carlo Monaco |
Outdoor Clay | R16 | Rafael Nadal |
75 63 |
| 2016 | Buenos Aires Argentina |
Outdoor Clay | SF | Dominic Thiem |
64 46 764 |
| 2014 | Roland Garros France |
Outdoor Clay | R64 | Rafael Nadal |
62 62 63 |
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
Sources: Roland Garros, AFP
For those in the US, NBC will be broadcasting the FO tomorrow, starting at 11am EDT. I assume that Rafa’s match may not be over by then, so I am not sure what they will do.
Va4…Thank You…. I think it will be on TC as well around 2 AM. I really would have preferred Novak to be in the SF… Novak is in a downward spiral and Rafa knows his game well…Thiem is “Red Hot” & unless he over plays …He could be the one & only that could foil Rafa’s historic La Decima… I’m a total wreck! So far I haven’t been nervous because he has had such an easy time but now I’m worried & I’m going to be a coward and not watch it live! I really really like Thiem but will like him more after Rafa lifts his 10th RG trophy ! VAMOS RAFA !
Sorry …it’s on TC at 6.30am & that’s pacific time..
Buena suerte mi champion VAMOS RAFA por el 10mo
Hi Susie, scoreboard tennis has Murray/Wawrinka playing at 11.45
Nadal/Thiem out on court at 2.30 as you have seen on the Rg site
Thanks Maria. That makes more sense.
Hi RNF – could you clarify please? You say that rafa’s match is 1st on at UK time 12pm (local time 1pm). But the Roland Garros site says rafa’s match is on 2nd and Andy vs Stan is on 1st. Thanks
Yesterday Eurosport posted that Rafa’s match will start first on Court PC so that’s the reason why we wrote AROUND 1 PM, because we couldn’t find confirmation of that time on Roland Garros website.
I expect Rafa to beat Dominic and here’s why.
I can’t understand why Rafa didn’t skip Rome as I felt he should have from my very first post about that tournament. Only he knows. Others can speculate. After his loss to Thiem he admitted that he was tired. Had he not been tired, I feel he would have won the match.
His loss to Thiem at the Argentina Open followed Rafa’s loss in his first match at the AO, 2016. I feel he carried this loss with him to Argentina.
At any level of tennis, if a player is not at his best both mentally and physically,
he has a lot less chances of winning. Many tennis pundits agree that mental strength is even more important than a player’s physical condition. Rafa had neither. 2017 appears to be the first time in years that Rafa is playing pain free.
At present, Nole is only a shadow of himself. If the reports of him not practicing are true, having Agassi with him is not going to help him win tournaments.
He needs to find that balance he said he was striving for: to be the best father, the best husband and the best tennis player.
RAFA ROCKS
“2017 appears to be the first time in years that Rafa is playing pain free.”
“Pain free was a long time ago.”
was Rafa’s answer to a question about his health at AO this year, Margo.
He’s being healthy this year with no injury so far, but he still has various conditions and like Moya said, Rafa has sacrificed a lot in his career. Never take for granted even when he *appears* to be as fit as ever and can play touneys back to back without getting tired.
His health and fitness are better now, which allow him to be able to practise properly and has much “better” results. He’s been eating properly like he should have long long time ago and doing Moya’s specific training which requires less time on court but is more effective and helps reserve his tank beside minimalising the risk of getting injuried.
In his own words, he’s doing things the way they should be done. The last 2.5 years seem like a long time ago. Let’s hope that this is just the beginning of his “Renaissance”. 🙂
Hi Rainier – nice to have you back. Enjoy the remaining matches.
Exactly.
I was also intrigued by Moyà’s statements of “specific” training from the beginning and wondered if it could help Rafa.
Also, Moyà spoke recently to both the Telegraph and TennisWorld. I will paraphrase.
Rafa has put more lead tape at the head of the racquet to give him more power. A great idea of Toni’s before he joined the team.
When asked about Rafa’s bulging muscles, Moya said that nutrition is having a big impact. More muscle better protects the joints.
Moyà’s hardest challenge is keeping Rafa off the practice court because he is used to long practice sessions and rest is also a part of training. When I read that I had a good chuckle. Rafa needs to learn how to rest. I thought he would rest once he left Rome, to prepare for RG, but he was busy making a commercial for Movistar. If not that, it would have been something else.
Where have you been anyway?
Hi Susie. Thank you. How have you been? And Raffy? 😽
Actually I was still here, even though I have been “uncharacteristically” quiet :p for a while.
It had to do with the comment filter thing here after Rafa won MC IIRC. I was a bit turned off when most of the times comments were getting forever to be posted and consequently *live* chatting on live matches was hindered severely.
I was thinking abt asking RNF to lift the “sanction” at least for RG, but then was simply too busy with so many matches and tons of related stuff. 🙂
It’s gonna be a nail-bitter tomorrow, the Rafa vs Thiem SF. What do you think about Rafa’s chance, Susie?
@Margo: I’ve read all the interviews from Rafa’s team as well. Such a contrast between Toni and Moya.
Toni: I’m scared when we win easily.
Moya: I think it’s better that way.
Toni: Endure the pain. Anyone could beat you. You can’t practise? If someone pointed a gun at you, would you still say you can’t do it?
Moya: He needs 5 more minutes to rest. Not to train for 5 more minutes.
And many more. Think I could write an essay on this sometime. :p
Oh and abt this:
“Where have you been anyway?”
I was thinking I was answering you both. 👆my previous reply to Suise. 😬
Hi Rainer. I think rafa will win but it could be a tough match. His toughest so far this tournament. But although them is on a winning streak and beat rafa in rome – lightening doesnt strike twice and rafa will be ready for him.
Oh Rainer I forgot to say raffy has been poorly. He was run over two weeks ago but managed to crawl home and collapse. The emergency vet was brilliant. He’s back home and doing well. His back legs were affected but he’s healing well and cant jump too far but will mend. Thanks for asking after him – i will send him your best.
Sorry to hear about Raffy 😿, but great to know he’s on the mends. He’s a fighter, just like his namesake.
Good luck tomorrow Rafa in your match against Thiem, I wholeheartedly believe you can win him again , you are the king of clay after all
Thanks Maria. Yes he is on the mend thank goodness – he got a little better and then downhill again. I know you know what it’s like. But he is so much better – a fighter like rafa as you say. How is holly berry – I know she was poorly too. And Gollum?
Both fine, just old age catching up with them now 🐕12 and 🐱16, nothing I can do about that though. Andy and Stan are certainly in a battle just hoping the results for Andy and Rafa at the end of the day are better than the ones I woke up to Lol
blockquote, div.yahoo_quoted { margin-left: 0 !important; border-left:1px #715FFA solid !important; padding-left:1ex !important; background-color:white !important; } This is not correct. Rafa and Dominic are playing second on the main show court according to Roland Garros website.
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Rafa is the big Dog here. Thiem is good but still a puppy in front of Rafa.So Rafa play your best and you will be in your tenth final
I think everyone is a tough opponent to our dear Rafa. Our prayers will help Rafa get through these matches. I’d love to see Rafa taking him another grand slam especially this is his 3rd La Decima. May the Lord keep our Rafa mentally, physically and emotionally strong and help him stay focus and calm in Jesus name I humbly pray. Amen.
All the best and God bless you always Rafa. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Very strong response reality challenge from Rafa, good luck and fortunate
VAMOS VAMOS VAMOS & OLA SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SOLID BEAUTIFUL VICTORIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Even if the match will be played out, you were clearly gliding and sliding and magically covering EVERYTHING BRILLIANTLY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 Very happy for you DEAR RAFA !!!!!!!!! : ) You are playing such CLASSY SOLID TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) wi…….wi……..wi…….wi…….& wi……. Love how fit you are !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) YOU ……look…… great……! : ) ; ) : ) Speedy & magical covering the court…….and brilliant with the NET…. and your FEISTY GREAT REACH! …….ENJOY EVERYTHING DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Your beautiful FOCUS & SERVE are magnificent !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) NO ONE HAS YOUR ENDURANCE SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) AND NO ONE HAS YOUR PRECIOUS FOCUS POINT BY POINT PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) LOVE your FANTASTIC RETURNS…..they are SO SHARP & AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ): ) 🙂 🙂 : ) 🙂 🙂 : ) VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Makes me smile & we just love you!!!!!! : ) VERY VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) God bless you sweetheart! : ) Have a great evening & a beautiful time practicing & enjoying time off the court!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) : ) Enjoy lots & lots of fun on Friday and spending time around THE TEAM!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 ENJOY lots & lots of fun playing and it will be a fantastic match MATCH FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ci…..ci…..ci…..ci…..ci…..& ……CI…. Senior SWEETHEART RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) I just know it in my gut that it will be a great match for you!!!!!!!! : ) YOU HAVE ALL THAT YOU NEED …..point by point …..PLAYING YOUR OWN FEISTY BEAUTIFUL GAME……… even when opponent may come up with a good point lets say, the next blessing is to pretend it never happen, and keep on focusing ON YOUR OWN GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Keeping your own heart smiling & having fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) THAT IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT……… GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 😉 ; ) : ) No big deal……just another match……wi…..wi…..wi……dear Rafa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) ; ) 🙂 The good news too is that no matter who you play, they all loose focus and get tired way before you do….. THE FRENCH OPEN and 5 SETS IS YOUR TENNIS HOME LAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 😉 We love you & enjoy watching you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ): ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Lots of love & happiness sweetheart & VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) 🙂 : )
Nyeh… Rafa is very aware of what Thiem can do. He will be ready for this challenge. Rafa will be SWITCHED ON!!
It was sad to see Djokovic fall so meekly to Thiem in the end… but hey Djoker, what goes around comes around!
Get it done in 3 sets Rafael Nadal, King of Clay:)
You will certainly find the best way to beat Thiem…..you are the king of clay…..Vamooooossss Rada, the tenth RG is here for you!
Rafa is now facing two very tough opponents, which is of course to be expected at this stage of the tournament. Thiem is playing beautifully and completely destroyed Djokovic in straight sets, the third set ending 6-0. Certainly Djokovic has not been at his best for some time but nevertheless I expected him to put up a stronger fight than this.
Thiem defeated Rafa in Rome but that was no surprise as Rafa was exhausted from three wins in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid. But I think Thiem will really apply the pressure in to-morrow’s match.
If Rafa survives Thiem ( and I certainly hope he will ) he will then face an improved Murray or Wawrinka. I would much prefer he face Murray than Wawrinka.
Rafa will be number 2 next Monday so long as Wawrinka does not win the tournament .I don’t think Rafa needs to win it to be number 2 otherwise.
But all my support goes to Rafa for his tenth win at Roland Garros. His determination, enthusiasm and never say die attitude will hopefully get him through. To see him raise the trophy for the 10th time will be the greatest joy. He has worked so hard and overcome so much to get back to his former level so VAMOS Rafa. I am with you all the way.
WAMOS RAFA YOU ARE THE BEST!
TO FANS OF RAFA: OTHER PLAYERS BEFORE RAFA HAVE ASKED FOR NOT HAVING A CERTAIN UMPIRE APPOINTED TO THEIR COMPETITION BUT WHEN THE REQUEST COMES FROM RAFA AND CONCERNS AN UMPIRE REKNOWNED FOR HIS UNFAIR BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS RAFA WHY DOES EVERYONE CRY WOLF?
Is this a trick question?
Do you have a specific umpire in mind? Are you responding to some nonsense a fan quoted from who knows where?
RAFA ROCKS
Go Rafa go and play like a champion
Good you are right you will need to play your best and toughest. Mental has to be on top of your game. But I have true faith you wil come out on top. It may be a 4 or 5 sets. Go Rafa. Mr. King of clay.
Vamos Rafa <3 YOU CAN DO IT. "La Decima" is two steps away..believe in it <3
Love Rafa forever!! <3
Superbe match en l occurrence et très disputé de part et d autre ! Vive rafa la decima n est pas loin il va falloir donner le maximum et je suis certaine qunil va l emporter !!!!!! Vamos vamos vamos vamos RAFA😉👍👍👍👍👑👑👑👑👑👑