A decade ago, most Grand Slam men's draws were preceded by breathless discussions around one question alone: Which half will Novak Djokovic fall in?
A long standing thought when it comes to Novak Djokovic is what half of the draw would he end up on? Considering Federer and Nadal traded World no 1&2. But now Medvedev is seed 2, the question asked which half of the draw would Rafael Nadal end up in?
For the first time ever, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are all in the same half of the draw, leading to a possible first-time Roland Garros winner.
First quarter
Novak Djokovic (1), Roger Federer (8), Matteo Berrettini (9), David Goffin (13)
Dark horse: Felix Auger-Aliassime
Djokvic should have a relatively easy lead up to the QF, but Berretini is a huge threat, with 10/13 wins this clay season. Federer, unfortunately cannot see going past third or fourth round, and neither for Goffin. Both out of form.
Second quarter
Rafael Nadal (3), Andrey Rublev (7), Diego Schwartzmann (10), Gael Monfils (14)
Dark horse(s): Aslan Karatsev, Jannik Sinner
With neither Schwartzmann or Monfils a threat, it is possible a dark horse may rise to surprise no 3 or 7 seed.
Rublev himself has had trouble playing his rd 1 opponent Jan-Lennard Struff, and with Jannik Sinner and Aslan Karatsev in this quarter, there could well be some upsets.
Third quarter
Dominic Thiem (4), Alexander Zverev (7), Roberto Bautista Agut (11), Casper Ruud (15)
Dark horse: Nishikori, but that's a stretch.
Arguably, the most in-form here are Ruud and potentially Bautista Agut. Ruud has won the most clay matches this season. It is hard to back Zverev given his inconsistent form. Similar to Thiem who has had a mental break from tennis, and not coming back very strong.
Fourth quarter
Daniil Medvedev (2), Stefanos Tsitsipas (5), Pablo Carreno Busta (12), Grigor Dimitrov (16)
Dark horse(s): Korda, Opelka, Bublik.
Predicted Champion
