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French Open: Draw analysis, Djokovic’s potential path

By Geoff Nichols

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French Open: Draw analysis, Djokovic’s potential path

Novak Djokovic may be the heavy favourite for the French Open, but if he is to win in Paris for the first time and complete his career Grand Slam, he will certainly have earned it. Whilst the first week looks relatively routine for the Serbian star, the second week is set to be a cracker.

The lottery of which quarter Rafael Nadal would end up in come up in Djokovic’s favour, although clearly it is not the kind of lottery that the world number one wanted to win. It is a tough, tough encounter for a quarter final if they both make it.

Djokovic is currently playing at a level compared to Nadal where a straight sets victory wouldn’t be a huge shock. It is imperative that he doesn’t get drawn into the drama of the situation, ignoring as best he can the history Nadal has at Roland Garros and also the support of the crowd.

The Serb is near faultless the majority of the time on tour, but he can be caught up in the emotions of it all at times. If he feels like the crowd are not giving him the support he deserves against Nadal, he might get sidetracked. Tunnel vision is required, but it is easier said than done.

Possible Path

Round 1: Jarkko Nieminen

Round 2: Gilles Muller

Round 3: Bernard Tomic [27]

Round 4: Kevin Anderson [15]

Quarter Final: Rafael Nadal [6]

Semi Final:Andy Murray [3]

Final: Roger Federer [2]

Expect some comprehensive victories for Djokovic in the opening few rounds. He has become accustomed to dispatch lesser opponents for bread sticks and bagels over the last few years and you have to fear for Jarkko Nieminen, who even at the height of his powers probably would be helpless against Djokovic.

The same goes for Gilles Muller, whose early season promise has tailed off somewhat. The big lefty serve will need to be firing if he is to have any chance of stopping the Serbian juggernaut. Bernard Tomic may be hot and cold, but even if he is boiling his game doesn’t match up well to that of Djokovic.

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Kevin Anderson is one of the nicer names in the latter stages of the draw and Djokovic will be confident as soon as he gets into some rallies against the South African. Many pigeon hole Anderson into the big server bracket, whereas a lot of his success comes not from free points off the serve but hard work from the baseline.

The headlines after the draw were dominated by what comes next for Djokovic. He faces the potential of playing Nadal in the quarters, Murray in the semis and Federer in the final if he is to achieve sporting immortality and win the career Grand Slam. He would fully deserve if with that projected path.

Next: What can Rafael Nadal achieve on the clay?

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