Novak Djokovic will make his return to the ATP Tour against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin at the Rakuten Open in Japan. The top seed has been drawn to face the qualifier, then he could face either Jan-Lennard Struff or Go Soeda in the second round in Tokyo.
It’s not a simple draw for the World No.1. Popyrin, ranked 90, is considered a potential star and he has earned 11 of his 12 career wins in 2019, including his first Top 10 victory.
Struff has also had a great season. The World No.38 is closing in on his 30th win of the season and he has claimed four Top 10 scalps in 2019.
See the full draw here:
Djokovic, who pulled out of the US Open with a left shoulder injury, is making his debut at Tokyo. He used to play Beijing this time of year, and racked up 29-0 record there, but he has not played in Beijing since 2015.
Djokovic is also in the doubles draw at Tokyo. With partner Filip Krajinovic he will race Bruno Soares and Mate Pavic.
“I’ve watched this tournament over the years on the TV, it’s always had the best players in the field. Hopefully this can be one of my many appearances in this tournament.”