Dominic Thiem gets ready to serve during his match at the ongoing 2020 Rio Open. (Getty Images)
Three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten feels Dominic Thiem could be the main challenger for Rafael Nadal at the 2020 French Open.
Kuerten, a former World No.1, had bagged the Roland Garros titles back in 1997, 2000 and 2001.
Kuerten, who at the moment is in Brazil, where Thiem is taking part, shared his opinions about the Austrian during a press conference.
The 43-year-old was full of praise for Thiem, who reached the finals of the French Open consecutively in 2018, and 2019. However, the Austrian ultimately lost to Nadal on both occasions.
According to Kuerten, Thiem could be the only main opponent for the Spaniard. Nadal is popularly known as the ‘King of Clay’, and has a record 12 French Open titles.
Thiem finally overcame Nadal in a Grand Slam when he ousted the Spaniard in the quarterfinals of the 2020 Australian Open. However, the Austrian was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the final.
“I have no doubt that Dominic is Rafael Nadal’s main opponent in Paris. I know that it is difficult to see Nadal on the other side of the net and to believe that he can beat him.
“But Dominic is only one step away from that and I think the Melbourne final gives him a lot more confidence.”
Also, Kuerten tipped Thiem to become the World No.1 by the end of the season.
“He is getting closer and closer to Rafa and when he retires at 45, he will take his place.
“I think Dominic will be the number at the end of this season or next year at the latest be one of the world.”
Meanwhile, tournament top-seed Thiem advanced into the Round of 16 stage at the ongoing Rio Open. The Austrian secured a comfortable 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 win over homeboy Felipe Meligeni Alves.
Thiem will face Spaniard Jaume Munar in the next game as he hopes to once again claim the title in Rio.
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