| By Chris Oddo |
Photo Credit: Tony Chang/Chang Photography |
(March 19, 2012) – Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will play in opposite halves of the draw at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.
The draw ceremony, held earlier today, revealed that Federer will play in Novak Djokovic’s half of the draw, while Nadal will play in Andy Murray’s half.
Federer, who will attempt to achieve his third career Indian Wells-Miami sweep this year (2005, 2006), might have the easiest trip to the semifinals ahead of him, as slumping American Mardy Fish is the next-highest seed in his quarter.
Federer could face young American Ryan Harrison in the second round and Andy Roddick in the third.
Djokovic, the defending champion, could be challenged by Juan Martin Del Potro and David Ferrer in his quarter.
Murray who could face Milos Raonic in the third round, would face Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals if the seeds held, and Nadal could face either Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or John Isner in the quarterfinals.
Chilean Fernando Gonzalez will open his last ATP World Tour appearance against Frenchman Nicolas Mahut. Gonzalez, a former World No. 5 and Australian Open finalist, has elected to retire after a 13-year professional career.
American James Blake will face Nikolay Davydenko in the first round, while Sam Querrey will face Matthew Ebden of Australia.
Wildcard Ryan Harrison, who has never won a match in Miami, will face Italian Potito Starace in the first round, with Federer awaiting him in the second.
For a more complete analysis of the Miami women's draw, read Tennis Now's Sony Ericsson Open Digital Magazine Preview coming out later this week.