'Beating Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros is one of biggest challenges,' said Thiem

Dominic Thiem claimed his first Major title at the last year's US Open, prevailing against Alexander Zverev in a thriller to enter history books and celebrate his career's proudest moment.

Now, the Austrian wants to lift the trophy at his beloved Roland Garros, losing two finals to Rafael Nadal in 2018 and 2019 and hoping to change that this June. Praising Nadal, Thiem said that he would love to beat Rafa on Court Philippe-Chatrier, calling it one of our sport's toughest challenges.

"Roland Garros is by far the tournament where I have had the best results in the past. And a long time ago, I played the final in the junior event ten years ago, aged 18 and 19. After winning that first Major title at the last year's US Open, Roland Garros is my biggest goal and something I want to achieve. Roland Garros title is something I want to achieve this year, but at the same time, I know that everything has to be perfect; otherwise, it will not happen.

What Rafa has done at Roland Garros is probably one of the most outstanding achievements in the sport's history, and I suppose it is not over yet. Last year, Rafa played perhaps one of the best tournaments in history at 34, so he's the guy to beat.

Beating him on the Roland Garros center court would be one of the biggest challenges in the sport, so I'd love to do it while he's still active," Dominic Thiem said.