Grand Slam record-breakers Novak to Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are to on a collision course for a second-round showdown at the Paris Games, according to Thursday’s draw.
Nadal, a singles gold medallist at the 2008 Olympics and doubles gold medallist in Rio 2016, is playing in his final Games. Djokovic, a bronze medallist in singles in 2008, is a 24-time Grand Slam champion and top seed in Paris following world number one Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal. Djokovic will face Australia’s Matthew Ebden in his opening match.
“I am excited for this duel in the second round, and I will give it my all,” said Djokovic, who has faced Nadal 59 times over the past 18 years. “I am aware of the importance of the Olympic Games. I represent my country, which brings more responsibility and even more pressure.”
Spain’s Nadal, who has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles on the clay of Roland Garros, will play Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in his opener.
French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, the second seed, will take on 275th-ranked Hady Habib of Lebanon in the opening round of the tournament, which starts on Saturday.
“Roland Garros is the most special place in the world of tennis for me,” said 38-year-old Nadal, who was defeated in the first round of the French Open by Alexander Zverev last month during an injury-hit season. “This year I was not able to spend a lot of time at Roland Garros, so I am excited to be back here. It’s another opportunity and a chance to enjoy every single moment.”
Defending Olympic champion Zverev, seeded third, will take on Spain’s Jaume Munar.
Russian fourth seed Daniil Medvedev, playing in Paris as a neutral following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, will meet Australia’s Rinky Hijikata.
Two-time singles gold medallist Andy Murray, who will end his career at the Olympics after almost two decades on tour, will only play doubles. The 37-year-old former world number one underwent surgery to remove a cyst on his back before Wimbledon, which also sidelined him from singles at the All England Club. At the Olympics, he will pair with Dan Evans in doubles.
“The Olympics are incredibly special for me, and I am happy to do it one more time to compete for my country,” Murray said at Thursday’s draw.
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