When you go into a Grand Slam–or any tournament, for that matter–as an unseeded player, a lot can go wrong before play even begins.
Rafael Nadal found that out the hard way on Thursday.
The French Open draw ceremony, which took place this afternoon at Roland Garros, it matched up Nadal with Alexander Zverev–one of the title favorites–in the opening round. Zverev, the world No. 5, won the Rome Masters last week and has reached the French Open semifinals on three consecutive occasions. The German infamously suffered a terrible ankle injury against none other than Nadal in the 2022 semis.
Despite what is a rough first-round draw for both guys, Zverev will be a considerable favorite to emerge from his section and secure yet another semifinal spot in Paris. He could meet Holger Rune in the fourth round, but Rune has been struggling. Familiar foe Daniil Medvedev is a potential quarterfinal foe for Zverev, but clay is the Russian’s worst surface.
Elsewhere in the top half of the bracket, top seed Novak Djokovic’s road to the final weekend could include Lorenzo Musetti in the third round, Tommy Paul in the fourth, and two-time Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud in the quarters. Djokovic beat Ruud in last year’s final.
In the other half, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are on a collision course for the semis–but both players have been dealing with recent injuries. Sinner (hip), withdrew from Madrid prior to the quarterfinals and then missed Rome; Alcaraz also pulled out of Rome after losing to eventual champion Andrey Rublev in the Madrid quarters. If healthy, Sinner should be able to take advantage of a favorable draw. Alcaraz’s is tougher, as the third-ranked Spaniard may run into Sebastian Korda in the round of 32 and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals.
If the seeds hold to form, quarterfinal matchups would be Djokovic vs. Ruud, Zverev vs. Medvedev, Alcaraz vs. Rublev, and Sinner vs. Hubert Hurkacz.
In addition to Zverev vs. Nadal, other first-round showdowns to watch are Ruud vs. Jakub Mensik, Alex de Minaur vs. Alex Michelsen, Arthur Fils vs. Matteo Arnaldi, Stan Wawrinka vs. Andy Murray, Ugo Humbert vs. Lorenzo Sonego, and Alexei Popyrin vs. Thanasi Kokkinakis.
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who ya got?
Carlito’s Way
IMO there are way too many unknowns to make predictions this year.
For Nadal it’s make or break – if he beats Zverev he can actually win the whole thing. However there are good chances that he withdraws before the first round match, so let’s discuss about this just before the game.
I’m looking at the above poll and I’m almost clueless. Djokovic won’t win it. Are Sinner or Alcaraz fit enough? If so, it’s probably between them. But most likely they are not 100%. Medvedev – why is he even in this poll? Zverev – too prone to meltdowns and he’s in a tough place in a different court. Tsitsipas and Ruud – maybe, and why not Rublev?
I think that this year any prediction is a wild guess at this point.
Inclined to agree.
Really tough draw for Rafa….just too bad….he deserves better but fair is fair…and Zv, alas, in 2.
Zverev in 2?… Thought RG was a grand slam?
Cobolli v Medjedovic is another unfortunate draw. Both players could’ve gone deep.
Djokovic has a relatively easy draw like usual. He always gets a cakewalk draw.
Agree 1000%!😁
The better player you are, the easier the draw seems 😉
Mirra Andreeva? :puzzled:
You and I have chosen the same two male finalists! OMG I thought I’d be right out on a limb with that one!
Same female finalists too, but more likely.
Which players did you both pick to make the final?!
Very curious…
Can’t be any of Novak, Sinner, Alcaraz, Tsitsi, Ruud, Zverev I presume as they are faves to reach the final…
Still think Tabilo is a great chance if he brigs that same form. He is probably a 20/1 chance at 100/1 odds.
That one didn’t age well, actually, didn’t have a time to age at all.
Navone @ 1000/1
Medjedovic @ 500/1
I had Sinner over Zverev .
One of hardest Brackets ever.
Sinner needs to be fit though.
Didn’t pick Zverev as thought would be tempting fate he could lose today.
Doesn’t seem to be a wild pick! Tiggy picked Zverev to win. Just so many question marks over players right now.
Rafa plays Zverev tomorrow. Dunno what time. I don’t think he can get a bit win first round. Would have a chance after a,few rounds.
Did u do the Bracket Challenges on the RG site? Not sure about prizes.
At least it’s on Eurosport this time.
Assume you are asking Margot?
Have to say it’s wonderful to watch live tennis again.
Rafa,is third on Chatrier tomorrow after Ons and Iga so pretty early. Not really looking forward to watching.
If both Alcaraz,and Sinner get to semis I fancy Alcaraz to win that match. Is better clay court player than Sinner.
Was to anyone who does Brackets.Im glad u able to watch. If Alcaraz fit then he is the best clay courter. But it’s a big if about him and Sinner.
Were u influenced by Gill Gross by any chance? I just had a,listen by jumping to his final weekend picks and he picked Sinner over Zverev mainly because he said he was best player this year and wouldn’t be playing if not fit. But if u use same logic for Alcaraz then the 2 should meet in semis.
Gill has some great analysis but often gets them totally wrong.I saw Andy Roddick picked Sinner as well. Amidst cursing a lot.Dont know if that’s even allowed on YouTube.
I wasn’t. I just thought Alcaraz was more injured than Sinner at the moment! Though I just saw Al whopped someone 3-0. I’m going to grit my teeth and buy Eurosport for a month.