The Australian Open 2020 draw has been unveiled on Thursday and the top seeds could face some early tests of their title credentials when play gets underway on Monday. The 128-men draw looks incredibly deep and filled with quality all the way through.
If Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are to meet for the first time at the Australian Open since 2016, it will have to be in the semifinals. Federer, the No. 3 seed, was placed in No. 2 Novak Djokovic‘s half of the draw.
Australian Open 2020 draw: Nadal’s route to second title in Melbourne
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The No.1 seed and the defending runner-up, Rafael Nadal is aiming to better his results and become the first player to win a double career Grand Slam in the open era. Leading the upper half of the draw, this year, he has been drawn to open against Hugo Dellien.
Nadal’s section includes, possibly, Nick Kyrgios or Karen Khachanov, in the fourth round. No. 5 Dominic Thiem is a potential quarterfinal opponent, and No. 4 Daniil Medvedev in the semis. Nadal could meet one of his arch-rivals Djokovic or Federer in the finals.
Australian Open 2020 draw: Djokovic’s quest to defend his title
World No.2 and defending champion, Novak Djokovic is eying to emulate his previous year’s eminence at the Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic will open up against a tricky opponent, Jan-Lennard Struff.
Djokovic’s road also includes Diego Schwartzman in the fourth round. He set up a potential quarterfinal against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Djokovic could meet Federer in the semis.
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Australian Open 2020 draw: Federer’s road to 21st Grand Slam title
Roger Federer will aim to claim his record 21st Grand Slam title. The Swiss maestro has not won a major title since 2018 Australian Open and will hope to repeat his results. Last year, the 38-year-old felt short of Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round.
Federer has a less accomplished quarter of the draw with no other Grand Slam winners. He could play Matteo Berrettini in the final eight followed by Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. The Swiss could set up a dream finals with arch-rival Rafael Nadal.
Australian Open 2020 draw: Medvedev’s path to his maiden major title
While his grand slam performances remain underwhelming, the hype surrounding the young Russian rocketed after he finished the US Open 2019 as a runner-up. There is no doubt he has the talent to beat any opponent and will aim for his maiden major title in Melbourne.
Daniil Medvedev will open up against Frances Tiafoe in the opening round. He set up a potential third-round against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga followed by Alexander Zverev in the quarters and Rafael Nadal in the semifinals. The Russian might clash against Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic in the finals if he wins against the No.1 seed.
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In must-see first-round ties, Kyrgios will face Lorenzo Sonego in the first quarter of the draw. Dominic Thiem opens against Adrian Mannarino. In the second quarter, Medvedev will face an uphill task against Frances Tiafoe in the opening round.
On the other hand, Reilly Opelka will face Fabio Fognini in the first round. Denis Shapovalov opens up against Marton Fucsovics. Feliciano Lopez and Roberto Bautista Agut draw an interesting opening round contest.