French Open final: Rafael Nadal vs. Dominic Thiem predictions, TV details and betting odds

Dominic Thiem stands in the way of Rafael Nadal winning an 11th title at the French Open when the duo go head-to-head in Sunday’s final at Roland-Garros.

Defending champion Nadal progressed to the Paris final after beating Juan Martin del Potro in the last four while seventh seed Thiem defeated unseeded Italian Marco Cecchinato in three sets to reach his first ever Grand Slam final.

Nadal said it was an “incredible” feeling to be in another French Open final. He said: “I am very happy to be back in the final here at Roland Garros. For me it’s incredible.

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“It’s impossible without hard work and going through tough moments. You have to be focused and keep your passion for the game. I never dreamed in 2005 when I played my first final here that I would be in another one.”

For 24-year-old Thiem the odds are firmly against him beating clay-court king Nadal, but the Austrian says the pressure will not all be on him on Sunday.

“Of course there is pressure especially in Grand Slam finals,” said Thiem. “I have gone a very long way now and I don’t want to lose the finals; otherwise, it’s not a very nice feeling.

“But on the other hand, it’s so tough to go all the way in such a tournament. Facing Rafa, I’m not the one who has the pressure.”

French Open men’s final: Nadal vs Thiem

What time does the final start?

The men’s showpiece match between Nadal and Thiem takes place on Court Philippe-Chatrier and starts at 2pm (UK time).

How to watch on TV

ITV 1 will show live coverage of the French Open men’s final from 1.30pm. The broadcaster will also have online coverage at the ITV Hub.

Predictions: can Thiem beat Nadal?

James Dudko, Bleacher Report: “Thiem’s growing expertise on clay, as well as his recent winning form, should warn Nadal this final will be far from easy. However, no player handles the pressure in Paris as well as Nadal, who holds the head-to-head edge over his opponent having won six of nine games against Thiem. Prediction: Nadal wins 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-3.”

Yesh Ginsburg, Last Word on Tennis: “Nadal has looked vulnerable at times this tournament, but Thiem just plays way too far behind the baseline to be able to challenge Nadal over five sets. Get ready for an 11-time champion. Nadal in four sets.”

Jay Sandhu, Last Word on Tennis: “This is the worst Rafael Nadal we’ve seen en route to a Roland Garros final since 2011 while also the best we’ve seen Dominic Thiem ever play in a Slam. Whilst I do believe there’s a fair chance nerves might get the better of the Austrian and the Spaniard will up his game, I can’t help but think this is as good of a chance as the 24-year-old will get at winning his maiden slam. Given the wet forecast and the fact Thiem has beaten Nadal on clay each of the last three seasons, I’m going for a huge upset. Nadal’s poor play will finally be punished this tournament. Therefore, Thiem in four.”

Nadal vs. Thiem betting odds

Latest prices according to Oddschecker, as of 9 June.

To win

• Nadal: 2/9
• Thiem: 7/2

Set betting

• Nadal 3-0: 11/10
• Nadal 3-1: 11/4
• Nadal 3-2: 7/1
• Thiem 3-2: 23/2
• Thiem 3-1: 12/1
• Thiem 3-0: 15/1