The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters singles draw has been set and we’ve learned that Novak Djokovic—two-time champion and current World No.1—and Rafael Nadal—11-time champion and King of Clay—have been drawn into opposite halves of the draw.
Nadal – he of the 71-5 lifetime record in the Principality – will face either Adrian Mannarino or a qualifier in his second-round match after a bye. Djokovic, the 2013 and 2015 champion at Monte-Carlo who defeated Nadal en route to both of his titles, will face either Jannik Sinner or Albert Ramos Vinolas in his second-round match, also after a bye.
Djokovic could face 2021 Miami Open champion Hubert Hurkacz in the third round and, if the seeds hold, No.5-seeded Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals.
Fourth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas, a potential semifinal opponent of Djokovic, will face either Aslan Karatsev or Italian wild card Lorenzo Musetti in his second-round match (after bye).
Felix-Auger-Aliassime, who began a new coaching arrangement with Toni Nadal, the uncle of Rafael, will face No.16-seeded Cristian Garin in his opening-round match.
No.2-seeded Daniil Medvedev will face either Filip Krajinovic or Nikoloz Basilashvili in his second-round match (after a bye), while 2019 champion Fabio Fognini (defending champion, the tournaments was cancelled last year) will face Miomir Kecmanovic in his opening-round match.