Grand Slam record-breakers Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were set on a potential second-round clash at the Olympics following the draw for the Paris Games on Thursday. Nadal, who won singles gold at the 2008 Olympics and doubles gold in Rio 2016, is competing in his final Games, while Djokovic, a bronze medallist in singles in 2008, is the top seed in Paris after Jannik Sinner's withdrawal.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, starts against Australia's Matthew Ebden. "I'm thrilled about this potential second-round match and will全力以赴," said Djokovic, who has played Nadal 59 times in the last 18 years. "The Olympics are significant. Representing my country brings more responsibility and pressure."
Spain's Nadal, a 14-time winner at Roland Garros among his 22 Grand Slam titles, opens against Hungary's Marton Fucsovics. French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, the second seed, faces Lebanon's Hady Habib, ranked 275th, in the opening round starting Saturday.
"Roland Garros is the most special place in tennis for me," said the 38-year-old Nadal, reflecting on his first-round loss at the French Open last month. "I'm excited to return here; it's another chance to enjoy every moment."
Defending Olympic champion Zverev, seeded third, plays Jaume Munar of Spain. Russian fourth seed Daniil Medvedev, competing as a neutral due to the Ukraine conflict, faces Australia's Rinky Hijikata. Two-time singles gold medallist Andy Murray, concluding his Olympic career after nearly two decades on tour, will only participate in doubles.
