name='verify_a78772d791e94fc7f9666f0dd14249cc'/> Paris Olympics preview: Swiatek ruler. Can Djokovic and Nadal's pride stop Alcaraz?

Paris Olympics preview: Swiatek ruler. Can Djokovic and Nadal's pride stop Alcaraz?

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Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz are the favorites to win the gold medal in the women's and men's singles at Paris Olympics, respectively. But as we know, the Olympics are a tournament for outsiders; it often happens that the big favorites on the eve of the Olympic events become flops in favor of more unlikely opponents. In tennis the situation is a bit different, but how can we forget (considering the last few years) the unpredictable success of Monica Puig in the Rio 2016 final against Angelique Kerber?

This year, however, at least in the women's singles, one thing must be said: Swiatek is unbeatable on clay-courts and has already won Roland Garros two months ago. Parisian clay is now her second home: it's hard not to credit the WTA No.1 as the big favorite. The American tennis players could be the most fearsome pitfalls, especially Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Danielle Collins. Destiny seems written, but pressure could be the biggest enemy for Iga.

Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic© Getty Images Sport - Clive Brunskill  

In the men's draw, also considering the absence of Janik Sinner, the natural favorite is the winner of Roland Garros and Wimbledon Calitos Alcaraz. Will the pride and experience of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (expected in a super 2nd round) be able to stop the young Spaniard's run? To tell the truth, it could, because Alcaraz will also necessarily be full and satisfied, after the binge on Bois de Boulogne Church Road. As mentioned, the Olympics are a tournament for outsiders, for those who can subvert a destiny already written.

On Saturday 27 July, following the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday evening, the 2024 Paris Olympics for tennis will officially begin. The Bigs will have to start getting serious right away, with the aim of making it to the end of the week and playing for their medal chances.

Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic© Julian Finney / Staff - Getty Images Sport  

In addition to the authorities, including ITF President David Haggerty, there were Andy Murray, Angelique Kerber (both at their last experience as tennis players), Elina Svitolina, Stan Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal, present during the ceremony. The formula of the main draw is rather particular compared to a normal ATP and WTA tournament. In fact, athletes from the same nation must necessarily be placed in different quarters, thus not being able to cross paths before the semifinals. The great news is that Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will be able to cross paths in the second round.

Nole will debut with the Australian doubles player Matthew Ebden, while Rafa will have to deal with Marton Fucsovics. In the third round, one of them could challenge Matteo Arnaldi, who was not lucky and will debut with the home player Arthur Fils. Stefanos Tsitsipas (possible fourth) and Alexander Zverev have also been placed in the top-half. Daniil Medvedev and Casper Ruud will be the most complicated opponents for Carlos Alcaraz, who is definitely luckier in the lower half.ù

USA women tennis team USA women tennis team© Joe Scarnici / Stringer Getty Images Sport  

Swiatek will debut as the number one seed against Romanian Irina Begu and could possibly face French Parry or Argentine Podoroska in the second round. In the top-half, Iga faces a possible semifinal challenge against Elena Rybakina. A possible quarterfinal with Danielle Collins is also intriguing. Among the most intriguing first-round matches are the challenge between Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber or that between Leylah Fernandez and Karolina Muchova. Coco Gauff will face Ajla Tomljanovic.



from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/fr8YVoy
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