Rafael Nadal breathed a sigh of relief on Friday after he was slated to meet eight-time champion Roger Federer in the semifinals.
Nadal’s fears that he would be drawn in top-seeded favourite and defending champion Novak Djokovic’s half of the draw — and face him in the semis — proved unfounded despite Wimbledon promoting Federer above him in the seedings.
Moody but talented Australian Nick Kyrgios — who beat Nadal in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2014 — is a potential second-round opponent and Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov awaits in the third round for Nadal.
His great rivals Djokovic and Federer begin their campaigns against 35-year-old German Philipp Kohlschreiber and Lloyd Harris of South Africa respectively.
Tricky
The women’s draw sees Australia’s new World No.1 and French Open champion Ashleigh Barty open against China’s Zheng Saisai with a potentially tricky date with Spain’s 2017 champion Garbine Muguruza in the third round.
The most intriguing match-up could come in the fourth round with a rematch of last year’s final between defending champion Angelique Kerber of Germany and American legend Serena Williams.
Prajnesh vs Raonic
India’s top singles player Prajnesh Gunnesaran drew World No. 17 Milos Raonic of Canada in the first round.
Left-handed Prajnesh, ranked 94 in the world, will make his maiden appearance on the hallowed grass courts at the Wimbledon.
Gauff’s distinction
Fifteen-year-old Cori Gauff of the United States became the youngest player, since Great Britain’s Laura Robson in 2009, to qualify for the main draw.
