Novak Djokovic will begin his quest for a first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo against Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien whilst reigning champion Andy Murray faces a tough opening match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The draw for most Olympic tennis events (except the mixed doubles) took place on Thursday morning with 64 players entered into the men’s singles tournament. Djokovic’s route to the gold medal sees him start against the Bolivian world No.139 who has never beaten a top 10 player in his career. Then in the second round a meeting against either Jan-Lennard Struff or Thiago Monteiro awaits. Should all matches go according to the rankings, Djokovic could play Alejandro Davidovich, Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev.
“(The) Olympics are specific in terms of pressure, expectations and emotions – everything is different compared to other tournaments and I know that very well, I felt it on my own skin in the past. Therefore, I will try to approach the Olympics in the same way that I approach other tournaments, so that I can stay focused on my goal.” Djokovic told reporters in Belgrade earlier this week.
At the other end of the draw, second seed Medvedev faces Alexander Bublik in his opening match in what will be their second meeting of the season. The Russian beat Bublik in straight sets at the French Open back in May. In his section of the draw, Medvedev could play Fabio Fognini in the third round.
Stefanos Tsitsipas will start his bid to become the first man from his country to win an Olympic medal in the Open Era against Philipp Kohlschreiber. Greece has only won two medals in tennis which occurred all the way back in 1896. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev will take on Lu Yen-Hsun who has won an impressive 37 Challenger titles during his career.
As for the first round matches to look out for, Murray’s opening clash with Auger-Aliassime will be a chance for him to avenge his loss to the Canadian at the US Open last year. Meanwhile, home favourite Kei Nishikori will take on fifth seed Andrey Rublev in what promises to be a mouthwatering encounter. Finally, Wimbledon semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz will take on Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics.
Barty, Osaka headline women’s draw
Two-time Grand Slam champion Ash Barty will play Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo in her opening match. It will be the first time she has played the Spaniard, who lost to Angerlique Kerber in the second round at Wimbledon, on the Tour. Should she win Barty will play either Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova or France’s Fiona Ferro. Also in her section is Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and French Open champion Barbora Krejčíková.
“I think representing your country is the highest honour,” Barty told itftennis.com. “For an Aussie, it’s the best thing you can do, and I can’t wait to have an opportunity to wear the green and gold.
“You’re playing for something bigger than yourself, you’re playing to make people proud, and that’s not just with the results, that’s with the attitude. With the Australian spirit that a lot of people talk about, it’s evident when you really see it and all of the athletes in that Olympic team are the very best at bringing that attitude and bringing that spirit.”
Naomi Osaka will make her return to professional tennis against China’s Zheng Saisai. The Japanese world No.2 hasn’t played a match since the French Open after taking time off due to her mental health. Osaka recently revealed that she has suffered from depression and social anxiety since 2018. She could play Kiki Bertens in the third round followed by Iga Swiatek.
In other first round matches, Aryna Sabalenka will play Magda Linette, Elina Monfils plays Laura Siegemund and Karolina Pliskova faces Alize Cornet.
Only one out of the three women who won an Olympic singles medal in Rio 2016 is playing in Tokyo. Bronze medallist Petra Kvitova starts against Jasmine Paolini and has been drawn in the same section as Garbine Muguruza who she could play in the third round.
The Olympic tennis tournament will get underway on Saturday.
