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Nadal Roland Garros 2019
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Rafael Nadal faces tough route to French Open final with four Grand Slam finalists potentially in his path


Rafael Nadal faces a tough draw in his bid to win a 13th French Open title and a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam. 

Nadal, who has won the last three French Open titles, has not enjoyed his usual success in preparation for the French Open, losing to Diego Schwartzman in straight sets in the quarter finals in Rome last week.

However, the King of Clay has been handed a gentle start to kick off his French Open campaign as he faces Belurusian Ego Gerasimov in the opening round, before a potential clash with Canadian qualifier Steven Diez.

Awaiting the Spaniard in the third round could be three-time quarter finalist Kei Nishikori, with Fabio Fognini, who has beaten Nadal three times on clay including a 6-4 6-2 victory in Monte Carlo last year, the likely opponent in the fourth.

Recent US Open Finalist and World No 6 Alexander Zverev is a possible quarter final opponent, before the Spaniard faces the prospect of another battle against two-time runner up and newly crowned US Open Champion, Dominic Thiem in the semi-final.

Should that come to pass, Rafael Nadal will likely face 2016 French Open winner and World No 1 Novak Djokovic in the final, with the Serbian yet to lose a completed match on tour this year.

Rafa’s (possible) route to a 13th Roland Garros title:

Round 1: Egor Gerasimov
Round 2: Steven Diez
Round 3: Kei Nishikori
Round 4: Fabio Fognini
QF: Alexander Zverev
SF: Dominic Thiem
Final: Novak Djokovic


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.