Djokovic and Alcaraz Set to Clash in Miami Open Draw

Synopsis

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are both in the same half of the Miami Open main draw, which starts on March 19. Djokovic returns to Miami for the first time since 2019, while Alcaraz looks to defend his title. Other contenders include Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev.

Key Takeaways

Djokovic and Alcaraz are in the same half.
Djokovic returns to Miami after 2019.
Alcaraz aims to defend his title.
Potential quarter-final clash with Medvedev.
Zverev seeks to regain form.

Miami, March 18 (NationPress) Novak Djokovic, a six-time champion, and Carlos Alcaraz, the 2022 titleholder, have both been placed in the same half of the Miami Open main draw, which kicks off on March 19.

This marks Djokovic's return to the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami after an absence since 2019. The Serbian ace dominated the tournament from 2011 to 2016, securing five of the six titles. He will commence his Miami journey against fellow countryman Hamad Medjedovic, the 2023 ATP Finals champion, or Rinky Hijikata from Australia.

The record holder for Masters 1000 titles, with 40 wins, could potentially meet another former world No. 1, Daniil Medvedev, in the quarter-finals. Medvedev, the reigning Miami champion, is set to face either Jaume Munar or Arthur Rinderknech in his opening match.

Djokovic aims to recover from a recent three-match losing streak, which includes an opening defeat at Indian Wells to Botic van de Zandschulp. The 37-year-old boasts an impressive record of 44 wins and 7 losses in Miami, according to ATP statistics.

Meanwhile, second seed Alcaraz, with a 13-3 record at the tournament according to the ATP Win/Loss Index, will kick off his campaign against either David Goffin or Aleksandar Vukic. He may encounter 31st seed Brandon Nakashima in the third round, with other seeded contenders in his quarter including fifth seed Casper Ruud, Grigor Dimitrov, and 12th seed Tommy Paul.

As seen in Indian Wells, Alexander Zverev holds the top seed. The German player seeks to regain his form in Miami after not winning more than two consecutive matches since his Australian Open final appearance. Last year, he reached the semifinals in Miami.

Zverev's first match will be against Benjamin Bonzi from France or a qualifier. The 27-year-old might face the challenging 28th seed Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the third round, with potential fourth-round adversaries including 16th seed Frances Tiafoe and 17th seed Arthur Fils.

Jack Draper, who recently celebrated his first Masters 1000 victory, is seeded sixth. The British player is situated in Zverev's quarter of the draw and will compete against either former Top 10 player Roberto Bautista Agut or #NextGenATP's Jakub Mensik in the second round.

Third seed Taylor Fritz leads the second quarter of the draw and is set to face Mariano Navone or Lorenzo Sonego in the second round. Denis Shapovalov, the 27th seed who previously defeated Fritz last month in Dallas, could be a potential third-round opponent for the American.