Federer avoids Nadal in Paris

 

Originally published on: 24/05/13 00:00

The 2009 French Open champion will play qualifiers in his opening two rounds, while top seed Djokovic, who is bidding to win a career Grand Slam in Paris, will face Belgian David Goffin in his first match.

Defending champion Nadal, who is the favourite to win an eighth French Open title, starts his campaign against Germany’s Daniel Brands.

Fourth seed David Ferrer, who could face Federer in the semi-finals, will meet Australian Marinko Matosevic in the first round.

Tomas Berdych, a semi-finalist in 2010, faces a tough test in the shape of wildcard and home favourite Gael Monfils in his opener, with a potential second-round clash against Ernests Gulbis, who beat him in the first round of Wimbledon last year.

Meanwhile in the women’s draw, Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka will avoid world No.1 Serena Williams until the final. Azarenka faces a potential semi-final clash against Maria Sharapova.

Top seed Williams, who suffered a shock first-round exit to Virginie Razzano last year, will hope to avoid a similar fate against Anna Tatishvili.

British No.1 Laura Robson will face former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki in the first round. Robson has never won a main draw match at Roland Garros, but her impressive record against big names at recent Slams will give her confidence against an out-of-form Wozniacki who has lost four straight matches on clay.

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