For the next two weeks France and rest of the World would be knee deep in the celebrations of one of the most anticipated and unpredictable tournaments of the year. Rafa has always been and will continue to be the favorite on clay court but this hasn’t impeded the faith of other hopeful players who seem optimistic for their venture. Here we see Domnic Thiem and Del Potro speak ahead of the French Open.
The young Austrian tornado, Dominic Thiem, who defeated the King of Clay in Rome last week is motivated to do well in this Grand Slam. Thiem has performed tremendously this season. He reached the finals in Barcelona and Madrid and Semifinals in Rome. He is scheduled to play Bernard Tomic today.
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In the interview ahead of Rolland Garros, the 23 year old said, “It was a new experience for me to go so far in such important events. I earned a lot of points in Madrid and Rome and it allows me to play free in Paris. I faced the best player on clay three times in three events. I learned a lot from these matches that were useful for Roland Garros. Rafa is 100% favorite, he came back at his best and he knows how to win here. He will do everything to win the tenth title, it would be something crazy. Then there is Novak. And then you never know with Andy Murray. He is a strong player who can play at an amazing level. There are other players too who can create upsets, so me and Zverev.”
“I have good feelings in Paris”, the Austrian player added. “I won the junior title six years ago and reached the semifinals last year. I am very happy to be in the top ten and with the level I played at. Obviously clay is my favorite surface, and so I am confident that I can play a good event.”
Other players might feel the pressure playing under the shadow of the Great King Rafa, but not Juan Martin Del Potro. Though the World No. 30 has struggled with his form for a long time now yet we remain hopeful for the former US Open champion. The Argentine said “I am happy to come back in such a important tournament after five. These days are like a preparation and adaption to these courts.”
