ATP Madrid Open: Novak Djokovic gets horror draw with Juan Martin del Potro, Roger Federer in same half

World No 1 Novak Djokovic faces a tough path to the 2019 Madrid Open final as he has Juan Martin del Potro and Roger Federer in his side of the draw.
The two-time champion has a bye in the first round, but will face either Grigor Dimitrov or Jeremy Chardy in the second round while Marco Cecchinato or Diego Schwartzman could be a third-round opponent.
Del Potro is the danger man in the quarter-final while Federer could await the winner of that clash in the semi-final.
¡Cuadro #ATP sorteado! 💪
Los favoritos ya conocen su camino hacia el 🏆 en el #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/UKv62i8Mcj
— Mutua Madrid Open (@MutuaMadridOpen) May 4, 2019
Federer, who is playing on clay again for the first time since 2016, kicks off his campaign against either Richard Gasquet or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Barcelona Open champion Dominic Thiem, who finished runner-up in Madrid the past two seasons, is the other danger man in the quarter.
Five-time champion Rafael Nadal is the leading contender in the bottom half and he will face an up and coming Canadian in his opening clash as Denis Shapovalov or Felix Auger-Aliassime will be his opponent.
Nadal could face sixth seed Kei Nishikori in the quarter-final, while defending champion Alexander Zverev or Stefanos Tsitsipas are lurking in section three.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Dominic Thiem starting to master the art of consistency against the Big Three
-
COMMENT: Next Gen Finals was outgoing ATP chief Chris Kermode’s finest achievement
-
EXCLUSIVE: Judy Murray reveals coaching secrets at her Algarve tennis camp
-
-
Famous Five: Women tennis stars who have dated other sportsmen – with mixed success
-
Latest
-
US Open
Serena Williams retirement: Greg Rusedski not discounting ‘box office’ Serena to retire on a high at US Open
Serena Williams to bow out on a high by winning the US Open?
-
News
Serena Williams retirement: Tennis might never see such a remarkable icon ever again
The remarkable career of Serena Williams is drawing to a close.
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams’ greatest milestones as she prepares to bid farewell: Open Era Grand Slam record, prize money
Serena Williams has had quite a career.
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams confirms will retire after US Open, but doesn’t want any ‘ceremonial, final on-court moment’
Time to shed a tear or two, the great Serena Wiliams is to retire after the US Open.
-
WTA Tour
WATCH: Serena Williams wins superb rally, says she went into ‘mom mode’ after spotting daughter in the crowd
Serena Williams wins incredible shot after brilliant defensive work – and her daughter was there to see it.
-
ATP Tour
Alexander Zverev gives positive injury update, but withdraws from Cincy with US Open also in doubt
A fitness update from Alexander Zverev.
-
News
LTA’s first pro padel event in Great Britain a major success as Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez win big
Congratulations to Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez as well as Bram Meijer and Sten Richters.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Roger Federer keeps his promise to young fan in awe-inspiring video
If this video from Roger Federer and Zizou doesn’t make you smile today, then nothing will.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev shrugs off playing under neutral flag: ‘I’m still Daniil Medvedev. I still want to win big titles’
Daniil Medvedev has moved on from the Wimbledon ban.
-
WTA Tour
Leylah Fernandez keeps her emotions in check to claim comeback win to say ‘thank you’ to family and friends
A first-ever Canadian Open win for Leylah Fernandez.