The Italian Open is up for its 81st edition, and this year it promises an extra layer of drama. This is because we will see the current World No. 1, Novak Djokovic, face double trouble with the rising star Jakub Mensik and also his last year’s U.S. Open rival, Ben Shelton. But there is more to the story. Rafael Nadal is also set to make his comeback at the Italian Open this year!

The tournament, which is scheduled to begin in just a few hours, recently released its draw. According to the table, fans could witness an epic showdown between Novak Djokovic and Jakub Mensik in the third round. Djokovic, who skipped the Madrid Open this year, has not played his best this season. An early Indian Wells exit and semifinal defeats both at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo have been the only sad successes the Serbian has seen in 2024.

In a complete reversal, 18-year-old Jakub Mensik is climbing up the ATP ranking with grace. After a third-round exit from the Madrid Open, the No. 3 Czech player is the youngest name in the top 100. To come out victorious in this battle, Djokovic will have to summon all his experience to fend off Mensik and qualify for another possible face-off with an old foe.

While Djokovic still sits title-less, Ben Shelton is a step ahead with the ATP Houston title from April, which he claimed by facing off against fellow American and friend Frances Tiafoe. What makes this match-up exciting, if it happens, is the drama between Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic.

After last year’s dramatic U.S. Open semifinal match that ended with Djokovic’s victory over the American, the Serbian imitating Shelton’s iconic “hang up the phone” gesture is probably what’s more remembered. The anticipation of seeing the duo play against each other again is already high! 

Rafael Nadal to face a thrilling R2 Challenge

The “King of Clay” is back! Following a long break from tennis due to his hip injuries, Rafael Nadal will possibly compete against Hubert Hurkacz who is coming off from the Madrid Open third-round exit. In possibly his last tennis season, Nadal exited Barcelona and Madrid too early, but is there hope for Italy yet?

The former World No. 8 made his mark in the Estoril Open last month. Hurkacz, who is known for his powerful serve and forehands, will have to give his all to compete against the Spaniard’s dominance on the clay court. And while they do so, it will be interesting to watch who comes out victorious. As Djokovic and Nadal navigate through their respective challenges, the Italian Open promises to bring fresh energy to clay this season.

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