Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal Preview & Prediction | 2024 Brisbane International | First Round
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THE FACTS
What is this tournament classed as in terms of ranking points? ATP 250
When is Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal on and what time does it start? Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal will take place on Tuesday 2nd January, 2024 – not before 08:30 (UK)
Where is Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal taking place? Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal will take place at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane, Australia
What surface is Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal being played on? Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal? Click here for the latest ticket information for Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal
What channel is Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal on in the UK? Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nadal live on Sky Go, while Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
Former world number one Rafael Nadal will play his first match in almost a year in this blockbuster opener against qualifier Dominic Thiem, an old foe and former number three in his own right coming back from injury too. 37-year-old Nadal came back from injury in Australia two years ago to stun Daniil Medvedev in five thrilling sets at the Australian Open, claiming a then record-equalling 21st Grand Slam and going on to set a new men’s record at 22 that summer at Roland-Garros. Since then, however, Novak Djokovic has set new heights whilst the Spaniard has struggled to stay fit enough to maintain any sort of rhythm - last year dropping out of the top 10 on tour for the first time since entering it in 2005. This is Nadal’s last season on tour, as set out himself, and every single match he plays will be met with equal parts admiration, sentimentalism and, unfortunately, trepidation as there is no guarantee that his troublesome foot will allow him another 12 months injury free.
THE PREDICTION
There is more than a hint of fate about Nadal facing Dominic Thiem in his first match back. The two have shared some thrilling battles over the years with Thiem only trailing 6-9 but, crucially, losing the most important moments with two runners-up finishes and a semi-final exit to the 14-time champion in Paris. Thiem came back from a set down twice in qualifying to earn his shot at a big statement here but Nadal proved himself a fast starter in Australia two years ago, coming back from injury and barely any training to embark on a 20-match winning streak. World number 98 Thiem endured a very tough 2023, perhaps an ultimately damaging one, but he will put his all into spoiling the party here. Back Nadal, buoyed on by a partisan support, to throw common sense aside to win.
TIP: RAFAEL NADAL TO WIN
