Rafael Nadal will use Roger Federer tactic v Dominic Thiem in French Open final - Rusedski
RAFAEL NADAL will use the same tactic he uses against Roger Federer in order to overcome Dominic Thiem in today’s French Open final.
French Open: Rafael Nadal on preparing for the final
That’s the verdict of former British No 1 Greg Rusedski.
Rafael Nadal takes on Thiem in what is a repeat of last year’s final at Roland Garros, which Nadal won 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.
The two will go head-to-head in the championship match again today on Court Philippe-Chatrier with Thiem still seeking a first Grand Slam title.
After securing his 17th last year, back-to-back defending French Open champion Nadal is seeking his 18th overall Slam and his 12th in Paris alone.
Nadal has lost to Thiem four times on clay but never at this tournament, where he boasts a phenomenal 91-2 career record and an 11-match winning streak in finals alone.
And tennis analyst Rusedski suspects Nadal will look to use an age-old tactic he often adopts against long-time rival Roger Federer, who he defeated in the semi-finals to get to this stage, in order to again overcome Thiem in the French capital.
That’s because the Austrian has come on leaps and bounds since last year’s final under new coach Nicolas Massu, having won the Indian Wells Masters - his first Masters 1000 title - and the Barcelona Open, where he beat Nadal in the final four in April.
"He's added the sliced backhand, he's playing a little closer to the baseline, he's willing to transition forward as well as using the drop shot," Rusedski said to BBC Sport.
Rafa gives you nothing, he is the most frugal man on a tennis court I've ever seen
"So with that extra variety, and his strength and his power from behind the baseline, he's got a shot.
"I think he also needs to change the variety on his serve to keep Rafa off balance, as well as transitioning sometimes and bringing him in.
"Physically, he also has to stand toe-to-toe with Rafa. That is something which is demanding mentally and physically.
"Rafa gives you nothing, he is the most frugal man on a tennis court I've ever seen.
French Open: Nobody plays on clay like Nadal says Federer
“He is going to play the old tactic he does against Roger Federer all the time, serve into that backhand side, trying to break it down up high and then quick into the forehand corner."
Thiem is at a slight disadvantage having played the last four days straight at the French Open, with his semi-final win over Novak Djokovic
"For Rafa, everything has worked out well in that he got done on Friday.
"He came in on Saturday and had a 45-minute hit while Thiem was playing Djokovic.
"He's had the ideal preparation and goes in as the favourite."