rogerfederer.com - Olympics: the draw

Olympics: the draw

Roger has returned to Wimbledon a few weeks after winning his seventh title to now start his quest for one major title missing in his collection: an Olympic gold medal in singles.

The draw was held yesterday, with Roger leading the top half. Rafael Nadal's absence and the fact that Andy Murray as well as Novak Djokovic are situated in the bottom half of the draw, is certainly a major advantage. Roger will open the tournament against Alejandro Falla (ATP 51) who almost eliminated our champ in the first round at Wimbledon two years ago. He could then meet Julien Benneteau (ATP 32) or Mikhail Youzhny (ATP 29) in round two - Roger defeated both players in Wimbledon this year on the way to his seventh title. Fernando Verdasco (ATP 16) is a possible opponent in round three, before our number one could play his quarter-final against John Isner (ATP 11), Janko Tsiparevic (ATP 8) or David Nalbandian (ATP 39). The semis could bring a clash with David Ferrer (ATP 5).

The format of the Olympic tennis tournament, starting this Saturday, is slightly different from what the ATP pros are used to. The first five rounds (up to the semis) are played best two-of-three sets, followed by a best three-of-five final. 

In the doubles - Roger will of course be defending his title together with Stanislas Wawrinka - the Swiss will meet the Japanese team Kei Nishikori/Go in the opening round. They would then either face a Spanish team with Marcel Granollers/Marc Lopez or an Israeli one with Jonathan Erlich/Andy Ram in the next round. Should they make it through, their most likely opponents in the quarter-finals are the American brothers Bob und Mike Bryan.