French Open 2021: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer drawn in same half

The French Open 2021 would be the 125th edition of the prestigious Grand Slam played on clay. Rafael Nadal would be the 13-time defending champion, while Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer would look to dethrone the Spaniard.

The draw for the 2021 French Open was done on Friday. It happens to be the weirdest draw of all, as the three big guns in the form of defending champion Rafael Nadal, world number one Novak Djokovic and legendary Roger Federer have been drawn in the same half.

Spain's Nadal, who would be aiming for his record-extending 14th title, besides the record-breaking 21st Slam, is scheduled to start off against Alexei Popyrin of Australia. Meanwhile, Serbia's Djokovic takes on Tennys Sandgren of the United States of America in the opening round.

Switzerland's Federer is returning to play the Slam after missing out last year due to injury. He is set to play a qualifier in the opener. Furthermore, he has already admitted that he is not looking to win and would use it to warm up for the upcoming Slam, Wimbledon, on grass.

Federer also admitted that either Nadal or Djokovic are the favourites to claim the crown. However, the Spaniard and the Serbian would meet in the semis. Notwithstanding, Nadal feels that he still has a 50-50 chance against the world number one, despite having outplayed him in the final last year.

Among others, second-ranked Daniil Medvedev of Russia would be looking to win his maiden main draw match at Roland Garros. Moreover, Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas or Alexander Zverev are being deemed the favourites to play in the final.

In the women's half, world number one, Ashleigh Barty of Australia, would begin the proceedings against USA's Bernarda Pera. Meanwhile, second seed Naomi Osaka of Japan starts against Patricia Maria Tig of Romania, while she would be boycotting the media during the event due to mental health reasons.

As for the defending champion, Poland's Iga Swiatek starts against Kaja Juvan of Slovenia, while 2020's runner-up, Sofia Kenin from the USA, takes on 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia. In the meantime, legendary Serena Williams of the USA, who would be eyeing her record-equalling 24th Slam, begins her proceedings against Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu.

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