The Mutua Madrid Open draw ceremony was held on Friday evening and the field is loaded with Rafael Nadal back in action and Novak Djokovic able to play.
Both Djokovic and Nadal find themselves in a stacked top half of the bracket that also includes Miami and Barcelona champion Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal vs. Alcaraz is a potential all-Spanish quarterfinal showdown, with the winner possibly to battle Djokovic in the semis. Of course, neither Spaniard will be looking that far ahead. Nadal’s opening match is likely to come against a red-hot Miomir Kecmanovic, while Alcaraz could run into either Cameron Norrie or John Isner in the last 16.
Djokovic can expect to see Gael Monfils in his opener before potentially meeting Denis Shapovalov, Andy Murray, or Dominic Thiem in round three. Murray vs. Thiem is one of the more intriguing first-round matchups. Casper Ruud is the other top eight seed in Djokovic’s section.
The bottom half of the draw is far less daunting, which could be just what the doctor ordered for Alexander Zverev. Although Zverev’s results dating back to late February are underwhelming, it’s not like he needs any help in Madrid. The third-ranked German is the defending champion and has won the title in two of the last three years (not including 2020, when the tournament was canceled). Zverev could go up against either Reilly Opelka or Sebastian Korda in the third round followed by a possible quarterfinal date with Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Andrey Rublev is the other projected quarterfinal based on seeding. Indian Wells winner Taylor Fritz could have something to say about that if he faces Rublev in the round of 16. The start of Tsitsipas’ path through the bracket could be Karen Khachanov and then Diego Schwartzman.
In addition to Murray-Thiem, other first-round matches to watch are Opelka vs. Korda, Fritz vs. Jenson Brooksby, Jannik Sinner vs. Tommy Paul, and Pablo Carreno Busta and Botic van de Zandschulp.
who ya got?
Shapovalov might win.. so potentially Alcaraz QF and Shapovalov SF if Rafa progresses that far.. One match at a time as always.
Nole is just loving this draw, great one for him with no one in form in his top half except for Davidovich and Hurkacz.
This draw is very interesting can’t wait for things to start although a Nole vs Alcaraz match up would have been sumptuous!!! Sigh!!
Nole is licking his chops at his quarter of the draw with old vets and everyone out of form except for Hurkacz and Davidovich, of which they are not expected to contend for the title, Ruud has been woeful of late and looks to go out early here again.
Nadal’s quarter is a bit tough, with his 1st possible match vs. Kec, then Alcaraz later on.
Tsitsipas’ quarter looks good for the most part except for Schwartzman.
Zverev’s quarter is nice with no possible landmines like Rune to trip him up for the most part, Opelka or Korda could be tricky, he owns Sinner.
https://mobile.twitter.com/gigicat7_/status/1520445621131436032
I don’t know what to make of this seriously ..he is practising since 9 days ..at times twice a day n then he says this ..am confused
yes, it is confusing ..not sure if he refers being bad first two weeks after IW final.. or after started training in madrid… Definitely worrying factor how much healthy he would be for RG.. Hope he can sail through.
I think he is saying he was quite limited in what he could do last 2 weeks so preparation is crap. He is now back to prep for RG.
https://mobile.twitter.com/genny_ss/status/1520454130283827201
Rafa: “I arrive here full of motivation but very short of preparation, that’s the truth. But I’m putting all the effort in the daily practice sessions and we’ll see what we can do [Interviewer: “you’re short of preparation ’cause you’ve hardly practiced, right?”]
Rafa: “Yes, very little. The rib issue is very limiting [Interviewer: “and painful!”]. Yes, painful, too. I had very bad 2 weeks ’cause of it & afterwards it’s been very limiting in the sense that I’ve hardly been able to do anything. But [tournament] is here, in Madrid, at home.
Rafa: “I also have in mind RG is in 3 weeks. I trust the day to day training will allow me to get in good shape. And here, tho [the tour] is always very demanding, I’m very aware this tournament is especially difficult, but I’ll do as best as I can.”
Interviewer: “The most important thing is to arrive in good form in Paris?”]
Rafa: “The most important thing is to be healthy. More than any other thing. Then, if I arrive in good shape in Paris, it’ll be even better. AFA time’s concerned, if I’m healthy, if my body responds well, I think 3 weeks could be enough to arrive there at least being competitive”
Thanks for this post, VR! Always good to hear Rafa’s thinking.
I am happy Rafa is providing a truthful update on his status health wise, at least he is not allowing his fans to have unrealistic expectations. Like he said, just want him to remain healthy, and to pace himself so that he doesn’t get injured again!!! Good luck Rafa for the rest of the season! As far as I’m concerned, “no Rafa no tennis”!! 😆🤪😜
Rafa is always honest. He tells it like it is. This was a painful and tricky injury. Staying healthy is everything. The rib issue prevented him from even picking up a racket.
We will support him as always.
Or maybe he just didn’t want offend anyone by not playing Monte Carlo or Barcelona.
That’s certainly a strong possibility.
Nonsense. If Rafa “didn’t want to offend anyone” he would have played the events as he always does. This year he couldn’t even do full training during the events. Cracked ribs HURT and won’t heal if you don’t rest it.
Or he didn’t want to reveal his schedule.
That’s possible, too.
Great draw in Madrid….should be an amazing week!