Monster draw for Nadal in Paris

Paris, May 22

Rafa Nadal could face world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the French Open after Friday’s draw handed him the toughest of routes to a possible 10th title.

The Spaniard, seeded sixth after a disappointing year so far, would then face a potential semifinal against third seed Andy Murray and a final against 17-times Grand Slam champion Roger Federer.

The 28-year-old, who holds the record for titles at Roland Garros, will take on Frenchman Quentin Halys in the first round but life will get tricky with dangerous Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov a likely fourth round opponent. “I need to win four matches before (possibly playing Djokovic),” Nadal, who has failed to win a claycourt title in Europe this season, said after the draw at Roland Garros. — Reuters