Novak has learned who he will have to play in order to claim an historic eighth title at the Australian Open.
The seven-time champion has been placed in the same section as rival Roger Federer. Putting them on course for a potential clash in the semi-finals of the tournament. Djokovic will start his campaign in Melbourne against Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff. Somebody who he hasn’t dropped a set against in their two previous meetings. The Serbian will not play anybody ranked higher than 14th seed Diego Schwartzman in his section until at least the quarter-finals. Lurking in his path is possible encounters with Tatsuma Ito in round two followed by Dan Evans and then Schwartzman.
Projected path
R1 – Jan Lennard-Struff
R2 – Tatsuma Ito
R3 – Dan Evans
R4 – Diego Schwartzman
QF – Stefanos Tsitsipas
SF – Roger Federer
F – Rafael Nadal
Djokovic is hoping to extend his record as the most decorated Australian Open men’s champion of all time and close the gap on Federer’s grand slam record of 20 titles. 12 months ago, he roared to victory in Melbourne with a comprehensive win over Rafael Nadal.
“That was probably the best performance I’ve had in the final of a grand slam in my career.” Djokovic reflected during the draw presentation.
“Two of the most epic I’ve ever had was (at the Australian Open) against Rafa in 2012 that almost went six hours and against Roger last year at Wimbledon.”
Former world No.1 Federer, who made his Australian Open debut back in 1999 by playing the qualifying event, starts his bid against America’s Steve Johnson. Unlike the Swiss maestro, Johnson has already played two events this year at Challenger level. Then possible clashes with Filip Krajinović and Hubert Hurkacz awaits. Federer has won the tournament in two out of the last three years.
Projected path
R1 – Steve Johnson
R2 – Filip Krajinović
R3 – Hubert Hurkacz
R4 – Denis Shapovalov.Grigor Dimitrov
QF – Matteo Berrettini/Fabio Fognini
SF – Novak Djokovic
F -Rafael Nadal
Nadal on course for Kyrgios meeting
Top seed Nadal is set for another showdown with unpredictable Australian player Nick Kyrgios. He will will begin against Bolivia’s Hugo Dellian. A player who is currently ranked 72nd in the world, but has only ever won two main draw grand slam matches in his career. Further down the line, the Spaniard is projected to possibly take on Kyrgios in the fourth round, who he leads 4-3 in their head-to-head. However, in order for the encounter to occur, Kyrgios may have to take out Karen Khachanov in the third round.
Projected path
R1 – Hugo Dellian
R2 – Federico Delbonis/João Sousa
R3 – Pablo Carreno Busta
R4 – Nick Kyrgios/Karen Khachanov
QF – Dominic Thiem
SF – Daniil Medvedev
F – Novak Djokovic
This year, Nadal is bidding to win the Melbourne title for the first time since 2009. It is the only grand slam tournament he hasn’t won on multiple occasions.
The Challengers
Outside of the Big Three, who have won the past 12 grand slams between them, are a group of players aiming to break their stronghold. 2020 has been billed as the year where they could be a breakthrough in the sport. Something Djokovic admits is a strong possibility.
“Daniil (Medvedev) is playing great tennis. He played a close five setter against Nadal at the US Open last year.” Djokovic previewed.
“He is definitely in that small group of players who are getting closer to a grand slam title.’
“Along with him I would say Dominic Thiem who has been around and is knocking on the door.
Tsitsipas won a big title at the world tour finals a few months ago.”
“I think tennis is good hands. We have a very good next generation.” He added.
Fourth seed Medvedev faces an intriguing opening match against Frances Tiafoe, who is defending a load of points after reaching the quarter-finals in Melbourne last year. In 2019, Medvedev down the American in straight sets at the Citi Open in Washington. Also lurking in his draw is 28th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 19th seed John Isner and 15th seed Stan Wawrinka. Medvedev is bidding to become only the third Russian man in history to win the tournament after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin.
After going out in the second round last year, Dominic Thiem is seeking redemption this time round. Despite being in a seemingly straightforward section, he could some some stern tests. He will begin against France’s Adrian Mannarino. Somebody he has a dominant head-to-head record of 7-0 against. However, it is later in the draw where he could come unstuck. Unseeded Kevin Anderson and Taylor Fritz (29) are possible third round rivals. Then he could play either Gael Monfils or rising star Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Other first round matches include Stefanos Tsitsipas against Salvatore Caruso, Alexander Zverev against Marco Cecchinato and Roberto Bautista Agut against compatriot Feliciano Lopez.
The men’s main draw will get underway on Monday.
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