Novak Djokovic French Open draw in full with chance for revenge as Alcaraz looms
Novak Djokovic has learned his fate at the upcoming French Open as he bids to win a record 23rd Grand Slam title. The draw is more open than ever this year with the absence of 14-time champion Rafael Nadal. But the Serb has a tough path as he has been placed in Carlos Alcaraz’s half of the draw. Meanwhile, his 2022 Monte Carlo conqueror looms in the third round.
Djokovic will need to overcome some tough opponents if he is to add a third Coupe des Mousquetaires to his trophy cabinet. The Serb is bidding to set a new record for the most men’s singles Grand Slam titles with 23 after winning his 22nd in Australia at the start of this season.
With ‘King of Clay’ Nadal pulling out of the tournament due to injury, the world No 3 has the perfect chance to overtake his rival in his absence. But he has been drawn in the same half as top seed and fellow title contender Alcaraz, meaning they would meet in a potential semi-final clash.
The two-time French Open champion opens against American world No 114 Aleksandar Kovacevic and has a tricky projected opponent in the third round. Djokovic could have the chance to seek revenge over 29th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina after the Spaniard won their last meeting at the 2022 Monte Carlo Masters.
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The Serb could face another one of his old conquerors – Roberto Bautista Agut – in the fourth round, or has a chance of meeting 13th seed Hubert Hurkacz. Djokovic could then face a run of all three of this year’s clay Masters champions in succession.
Monte Carlo winner Andrey Rublev is a potential quarter-final opponent while Djokovic and Alcaraz could face off in a highly-anticipated semi-final. And second seed Daniil Medvedev may be waiting in the championship match, fresh off the back of winning the Italian Open.
Karen Khachanov and Stefanos Tsitsipas are also in Djokovic’s half. Meanwhile, young stars Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner are in the bottom half of the draw, alongside last year’s runner-up Casper Ruud.
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Novak Djokovic’s projected French Open draw in full
The following projected draw is based on the highest seed and ranking of the opponent that Djokovic could face in each round.
First round: Aleksandar Kovacevic
Second round: Marton Fucsovics
Third round: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (29)
Fourth round: Hubert Hurkacz (13) / Roberto Bautista Agut (19)
Quarter-final: Andrey Rublev (7) / Karen Khachanov (11)
Semi-final: Carlos Alcaraz (1) / Stefanos Tsitsipas (5)
Final: Daniil Medvedev (2) / Casper Ruud (4) / Holger Rune (6) / Jannik Sinner (8)
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