Rafa Nadal already knows who will be his rival in the first round of the Australian Open, a Grand Slam that has resisted him since he won it for the only time in 2009. The draw for the men's draw revealed that the Balearic, who is seeking his 21st major title, faces Serbian Laslo Djere (25 years and 56th in the world), with whom it has never been measured.
Nadal goes down the bottom as number two, the opposite of one, Novak Djokovic, and on his way, by ranking, they could be if he surpasses Djere, Troicki, Evans, Fognini, Tsitsipas and Medvedev, before a hypothetical final against his black beast in Melbourne, which he beat in the final of 2019. In the sector opposite, Manacor avoids rivals if possible more dangerous like Thiem, Zverev and the always unpredictable Kyrgios.
As for the other Spaniards, Albert Ramos will run into Fritz; Pedro Martínez with Nishioka; Pablo Carreño will have a poisoned start against Nishikori; Feliciano López will meet the unknown Australian Tu; Bautista will collide with Albot; Andújar with Halys; Carballés with Balasz; Y Alcaraz, who will debut at the age of 17 in a major by Nadal's side, will face the Dutch Van de Zandschulp, who is surprising at the Great Ocean Road Open, where this Friday he beat Opelka. Finally, Mario Vilella will also play in his first big game against the Czech Machac.
Djokovic, against Chardy
Reigning champion Djokovic will face Frenchman Jeremy Chardy in his debut, who seems to have recovered his form at 33 years old (he is 66th in the ranking). If he advances, Tiafoe, Fritz, Raonic, Zverev and Thiem would wait for him before a hypothetical crossing for the trophy with Nadal.
Australian Open men's draw.