Rafael Nadal made a prediction about Dominic Thiem in 2019 that will now sadly never become a reality for the Austrian.
It’s been a very emotional day for two-time French Open finalist Thiem.
He won’t be in the main draw at Roland Garros this year after crashing out during the second qualifying round earlier today.
Thiem was beaten in straight sets by Otto Virtanen who claimed a 6-2, 7-5 victory.
Afterwards, there was an emotional ceremony on the court for Thiem who wasn’t handed a wildcard for the main draw.
Now, some comments made by Nadal in 2019 have come to light, with his prediction now failing to come true.
Rafael Nadal prediction about Dominic Thiem in 2019
The pair met in the final at Roland Garros in 2019 when Nadal picked up his 12th French Open title.
It was the second successive final that Thiem had lost to Nadal in Paris – but the Spaniard predicted that Thiem would win it eventually.
After the win, he told Metro: “First thing I want to say: Dominic, sorry, you are one of the best examples we have on tour.
“You are one of the hardest workers and always with a smile on your face. That’s the most important thing. Thanks for being a great inspiration for me and a lot of small kids around the world.
“I know how tough it is to lose finals but that’s the sport. If I wanted to lose to someone, it’s with you because you deserve it. Keep going, you will win this for sure.”
Thiem can look back on wonderful career but he will have regrets
Any player who gets to two major finals but doesn’t win the trophy will always look back with a tinge of regret.
Sadly for Thiem, he came up against a formidable Nadal on both occasions and there is nothing for him to be ashamed of.
Furthermore, Thiem did manage to claim one Grand Slam when he won the 2020 US Open and that goes down as the highlight of his career.
Now, 30, there will be some who say that Thiem is retiring before his time is up – with Nadal still going at 37!
It’s a shame for Thiem that he couldn’t get over the line at Roland Garros and it’s no surprise that Nadal backed him to win the title after beating him in 2019.
His record at the French Open has been pretty woeful since his second final.
He reached the quarter-final in 2020 but then lost in three successive first-round matches at the tournament he grew so fond of.
Thiem enjoyed a hero’s farewell after his defeat today and he will be gutted that he couldn’t prove Nadal right and lift a Roland Garros title.
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