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
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.