Thiem – who lost to Nadal in the French Open final in June – has had success on the red dirt against the world No 1.
However, the Austrian faces a daunting challenge and will be hoping to redeem himself after his capitulation at Roland Garros against Nadal in their quarter-final tie at Flushing Meadows.
The winner of this match will face Juan Martin del Potro – who saw off big-serving American John Isner – in the last four.
And Rusedski believes Thiem’s best chance of knocking out Nadal is if he dictates matters from the baseline.
“When Thiem has beaten Rafa, he’s taken the serve early,” Rusedski said on Amazon’s Prime coverage when giving his thoughts before the match.
“If he decides to stand far back, Rafa will be thinking ‘yum yum, I can get my forehand into play’.
“I expect the Austrian to use the tactic of being on top of the baseline to get the first hit in and that allows him to control point.
“If he allows Nadal to control the point, he will be second best.
“One shot Rafa hit during practice was forehand cross court and then boom up the line.
“I’m expecting height into the Thiem backhand and then quick into the forehand side.”
Rusedski is also adamant that Thiem has to show a lot of belief if he’s going to overcome the world No 1.
He added: “If he doesn’t believe today, he might as well shake hands,” Rusedski said on Amazon Prime’s coverage before the match.
“He has to go out there and really set the tone.
“He will have seen Rafa struggle against Nikoloz Basilashvili.
“He will say ‘this is my opportunity and I’m expected to lose, but I have to go out there guns blazing’.
“If he doesn’t, he will be a disappointment.”