Dominic Thiem met the German press in Hamburg on Monday at 2:00 PM just after his first training session in the tournament site, and ahead of his opening round match on Tuesday against the Frenchman Corentin Moutet, he shared his feelings.

The last time he played an official match on clay was June in the French Open final loss to the Spaniard Rafael Nadal. Recalling his feelings just after the match, Thiem said: 'At the beginning I was frustrated, but it was a very good tournament for me and finding motivation again wasn't complicated for me.

Nadal is the ultimate challenge. He is difficult to beat especially at the Roland Garros. I think Rafa is also one of the best sportsmen, not only in tennis. He is there from the first to the last point. Playing Nadal is just horrible', the world No.

8 laughed. Is there a tournament he really wants to win? 'Obviously a Grand Slam', the 24-year-old recognized. 'Seeing my game style, Roland Garros could be the scenario. But I would like to win elsewhere as well.' Analyzing his upcoming match with Moutet, Thiem added: 'Playing against a qualifier is always tough.

Moutet is very confident and already played two matches. I never played against him, but I saw some matches, he is a big talent. I hope he doesn't show it tomorrow and can keep it for himself.' The back injury suffered at Wimbledon is just a bad memory: 'I absolutely feel fit, I had a break for a few days after Wimbledon and I am back to practice a little bit more than a week ago.' ALSO READ: Kevin Anderson reveals why Roger Federer inspires him