Lob and Smash
Fansided

Breaking down the 2019 French Open draw for Rafael Nadal

By Harry Floyd

ROME, ITALY - MAY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain runs to play a backhand against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the mens final during day eight of the International BNL d'Italia at Foro Italico on May 19, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY - MAY 19: Rafael Nadal of Spain runs to play a backhand against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the mens final during day eight of the International BNL d'Italia at Foro Italico on May 19, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Rafael Nadal is the defending champion at the French Open. Let’s take a deeper dive into his upcoming draw at Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal is the two-time defending champion at Roland Garros. The King of Clay also has a record 11 titles at the French Open. He is in his element this time of year and all eyes are on Rafa right now as the clay court Grand Slam gets underway in Paris, France.

Let’s take a look at how the men’s singles draw looks for Nadal. To start, his opening two matches are more or less a dream scenario for the defending champion.

All 11 Nadal French Opens. light. Hot

More from Lob and Smash

Nadal will take on a qualifier in his opening round match. THEN, he will take on the winner or yet another two qualifiers. His first two matches give Nadal the potential to build some serious momentum at the French Open.

Where things start to really get interesting are in the third round. There, Rafa could potentially face Belgian tennis star David Goffin. The 27th seed takes on Ričardas Berankis first at Roland Garros. Goffin has previously reached the quarterfinals at the French Open back in 2016.

Looking at their career head to head, Goffin is just 1-3 against Nadal. That sole win, however, came on a big stage during the round robins of the ATP Finals back in 2017. Beyond the potential third round matchup, Nadal could face 19th seeded Guido Pella in the fourth.

Things heat up even more (assuming the top contenders live up to the hype) when Nadal reaches the quarters to take on the likes of Kei Nishikori or Daniil Medvedev. Then we have the dream scenario of Roger Federer and Nadal in the semifinals. With the year of tennis that we’re witnessing, this matchup is entirely possible.

Can Roger Federer win the French Open?. dark. Next

So, can Rafael Nadal setup a meeting with Roger Federer in the semifinals? It could easily happen. But, the defending champion cannot dismiss his early round opponents. He is the historical favorite at the French Open and fully understands the weight of the situation. Nadal will be on top of his game this month at Roland Garros and aims to meet world number one Novak Djokovic or another lucky opponent in the finals. Can he do it?

Home/French Open