RAFAEL NADAL HANDED TOUGH ITALIAN OPEN DRAW AS NOVAK DJOKOVIC DISCOVERS FATE

Rafael Nadal is on a quarter-final collision course with defending Italian Open champion Daniil Medvedev after the tournament's draw was made on Monday. Nadal is continuing his preparation for the French Open next week in Rome, which is set to be the final time that he competes in the ATP Masters 1000 competition.

The 37-year-old will face a qualifier in his opening match, then could be handed a difficult tie with seventh-seed Hubert Hukacz, before a potential blockbuster meeting with Medvedev. On the same side of the draw is Madrid Open champion Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, with a potential final with Novak Djokovic on the cards.

The Serb is in action for the first time since the Monte Carlo Masters, in search of his first title of the year, facing Roman Safiullin or a qualifier in the opening round and could face the likes of Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev or Grigor Dimitrov in the same side of the draw.

A host of injured players have been forced to pull out of the Italian Open, including home star Jannik Sinner. The world No. 2 is unable to play due to a hip injury, while an arm issue has similarly sidelined Carlos Alcaraz as they bid to recover in time for the second Grand Slam of the year at Roland Garros.

Nadal has spent the majority of the year injured and indicated that he will retire at the end of the season, though cast doubt on his participation in Paris after bidding farewell to the Madrid Open.

"If I was in Paris today, I wouldn't go out to play," Nadal said. "I don't think I'll be able to play at 100 per cent but it's important to be able to play for the last time in Madrid. It means a lot to me to play on this court where I've had some great moments.

"Few weeks [ago], I didn't know if I will be able to play again on the professional tour. It's not perfect but at least I am playing and I can enjoy again, especially in the tournaments that are so emotional for me. I'm able to enjoy the fun that I can say probably goodbye on court.

"Without trying to confuse anyone, I don't know what's going to happen in the next three weeks. I'm going to do the things I have to do to be able to play in Paris. And if I can, I can and if I can't, I can't. I'm going to Paris if I feel like I'm good enough. I'm going to Paris if I feel capable enough to compete."

After four matches in the Spanish capital, Nadal continues to step up his fitness and the next step takes place in Rome, starting with a first-round clash with a qualifier.

2024-05-06T17:01:11Z dg43tfdfdgfd