Novak Djokovic has toughest path at Paris Olympics: from Nadal to Alcaraz

The Serbian’s path in the Olympic tournament is full of pitfalls

Because it is played at the Roland Garros Stadium, because there are Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, or because the background is Paris: The 2024 Olympics are a highly anticipated event for all tennis fans and insiders. Medals, glamorous atmosphere, historic location: as happened at Wimbledon 2012, history will also be written in Paris.

The eye immediately fell on the great protagonists who will tread the prestigious courts of Roland Garros, on which the Olympic tournament will be played. The two big favorites will be Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, also thanks to the absence of ATP No.1 Jannik Sinner, due to tonsillitis.

Due to the absence of the Italian, the number 1 seed at the Olympic tennis tournament will therefore be the Serbian champion, who will not be able to meet the new Wimbledon champion Carlitos Alcaraz until the final.

Looking at the tournament path of the 24-time Slam champion, a possible crossover immediately catches the eye – with an inexhaustible charm that is already projecting the imagination of millions of fans – with Rafael Nadal, should both tennis players get past their respective first rounds, against Matthew Ebden and Marton Fucsovic, respectively.

Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros 2022© Ryan Pierse / Staff – Getty Images Sport

A challenge, that between the two champions, that in other times would have put the title at stake. The third round could present the Serbian with other interesting challenges. Either the Italian Matteo Arnaldi, or more likely the new Hamburg champion Arthur Fils. From the quarterfinals the level rises and here is the possible match with Stefanos Tsitsipas. In the semifinals there are many possible opponents that he could meet.

From Alexander Zverev, the reigning champion of the last edition, to Lorenzo Musetti, reborn in recent months. Also keep an eye on Taylor Fritz. The final that everyone expects, and that everyone probably hopes for, is instead with Alcaraz.

The Serbian will go hunting for the title, the only one, that is still missing from his incredible collection.