"I would steal everything from Rafa" says Thiem about Nadal's game

Dominic Thiem will make his return to tennis at the 2021 Madrid Open and prior to the event, he answered some questions providing a quote for the ages.

Media days have become common on the tennis tour and during the Madrid Open media day, Dominic Thiem answered some questions. He was first asked what comes first to mind when he thinks of Madrid and he quickly said football alluding to the world-famous Real Madrid football club.

He was then asked what his favourite part about Madrid was and he said the tournament. When asked about his favourite memory from it he said:

"Still when I beat Stan in 2014. The first victory over a top 10 guy and still one of the best match I ever played."

Asked about a tradition that he would bring from Spain to his own country Thiem explained he would bring 'late dinners' to Austria. The next question was about Spanish tennis players and he was asked what aspect of someone's game would he take he said:

"I would steal, everything from Rafa." After he said it he burst out laughing. He said it in a joking manner but Thiem's reply might not be far from the truth. The Austrian has been a longtime admirer of Nadal. Thiem loves playing against him and holds his own better than most against Rafa on clay.

To conclude he was asked what his favourite Spanish word was and he kept it simple saying 'hola'. Thiem will play either Andujar or Giron in R2.