Nadal withdrawal forces reshuffle

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:35

Number five seed Juan Martin Del Potro moves up to replace Nadal while America’s James Blake replaces Del Potro.

The next seed, Nicolas Kiefer, takes over Blake’s position as the 33rd seed and Thiago Alves is the lucky loser who comes into the draw.

Andy Murray will face America’s Robert Kendrick in the opening round of this year’s championship.

The 22-year-old Briton was paired in the same half of the draw as former top seed Nadal, who would have faced Arnaud Clement of France if he had not had to withdraw due to his knee injury.

Nadal’s withdrawal also opens up the chance for Murray to make it all the way to the final.

His first round opponent is ranked 76th in the world and has never been beyond the second round at Wimbledon.

Murray, the third seed, has won all three previous meetings with serve-volleyer Kendrick, who led Nadal by two sets to love in the second round at Wimbledon in 2006 before losing in five. Kendrick is currently ranked 76th in the world.

Number two seed Roger Federer will take on China’s Yen-Hsun Lu in the first round and has an easier run towards the final.

The Swiss ace could face Swede Robin Soderling in the fourth round and Spain’s Fernando Verdasco in the quarter-finals.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here