The excitement of the fans is on cloud nine as the French Open 2021 is about to begin tomorrow. It’s the first major after the Australian Open 2020 in which Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic will be playing together. Surprisingly, they are all in the same half of the draw.

In a recent interview, the Tournament Director of the French Open 2021, Guy Forget, revealed an intriguing thing. He said that Nadal‘s agent jokingly asked him to remove Novak Djokovic from his draw.

“It is true that the English do it, it is open to discussion. We are following the ATP ranking which is a benchmark. I know that Rafa’s agent jokingly asked me to remove Rafa from Novak but the draw is electronic!” mentioned Forget in the interview. (Translated via Google Translate)

Since Nadal is beginning Roland Garros as the third-seeded player behind World No.2 Daniil Medvedev, both Rafa and Nole are expected to play in the semis of the French Open 2021 after a long time.

Rafael Nadal has a tough pathway at the French Open 2021

Even though Rafa is an exceptional player on clay, it’ll be tough for him at Roland Garros this year. His first three rounds are comparatively easier but the problems will begin for the Spaniard after the third round.

Nadal will likely face rising star Jannik Sinner once again in the fourth round of the tournament this year. He’ll most probably meet Diego Schwartzman or Andrey Rublev in the quarters after that.

If the 34-year-old manages to reach the semis, he’ll encounter the World No.1 Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer. His final can be against Daniil Medvedev or the ‘Prince of Clay’ Dominic Thiem.

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Overall, Rafa has to be both physically and mentally fit for the upcoming two weeks to win his 14th title in Paris. It is certainly not an easy road, but the Spaniard has lost just two matches at the French Open so far. Will he able to defend his title at Roland Garros yet again this year?

Also Read: “It’s a Miracle We Are Breathing”: Rafael Nadal on Sharing the Same Half With Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer at French Open 2021