Dominic Thiem preseason training for 2019https://t.co/ryQnyA2sff
— Martyn Collins (@TruthandTennis) December 29, 2018
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4 huge story lines could play out in the men’s singles draw at Paris. A Nadal win does mean 12 Roland Garros titles (!?!?), a Federer win would be a 2nd Roland Garros title 10 years after he won his first, a Djokovic win would be the completion of his 2nd Nole Slam (!?!?!), and a Thiem win would mean he took his first major title in part by coming through a semifinal with the big 3.
Each of those stories would be huge if it comes to fruition. Only one of them will, but Djokovic and Thiem represent a monumental semifinal. Dominic Thiem is knocking on the door of being a major champion. He is doing so when everyone winning big events seems to be north of 30. His win might represent a generational shift starting to crystallize on tour. That alone is massive.
Then … Novak Djokovic has 15 majors, a career slam, the second most Masters Series shields of all time, the second most World Tour Finals crowns of all time, and appears poised to tie Pete Sampras’ 6 years finished at #1. Oh yeah, between July 2015 and June 2016 Novak Djokovic was the reigning champion at all four majors! Doing that once is something I have frequently described as being the most impressive accomplishment in tennis history. To do it twice … no words (yet)
Either of these outcomes require a semifinal win. This match is of tremendous importance because of what it might mean if either take the title. It also means a very worthy finalist if either were to lose in the championship match. This should be something.
“Let the best man win!”
Djokovic is looking forward to his meeting with Thiem in the #RG19 semi-final on Friday pic.twitter.com/KdYXsGPfOF
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) June 6, 2019
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 