Rafa has a draw that is as tough as hell. It's not that he can't win those matches... it's the cumulative effect it's going to take on him prior to a probable semi final clash with Novak Djokovic. Fog always gives Nadal a match (however unfit - he played him tough in the second set in Barca), Thiem is a future Roland Garros champion, Tsonga will make him work (although Rafa should prevail), and then he faces Novak. It's Novak's best opportunity to win Roland Garros.
I think you are right about Thiem. he has slams in his future.
I finally made it back home to the gulf coast. pain is still substantial but I will try to manage it so I can exercise as much as possible.
I am probably 2-3 weeks away from a decent recovery.
djokovic is going to win the next 2 RG crowns as well. he really has no competition at all with Rafa out of the picture for big clay events.