US Open draw | Djokovic likely to face Nadal in semis; Serena starts with a tough match

08/26/2016

The draws for the 2016 US Open were announced today, and top seed Novak Djokovic will open his campaign against Jerzy Janowicz and could go on to face Rafael Nadal in the last-4. In women’s singles, Serena Williams will open against Ekaterina Makarova, who made it to the semis of 2014 US Open.

Novak Djokovic will start his title defence against big-serving Pole Jerzy Janowicz, who had missed last few tournaments with an injury. The top seed could face 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic in the last-8 before a mouth-watering semi-final encounter with Rafael Nadal.

Reigning Wimbledon and Olympic champion Andy Murray will start his campaign with a encounter against Lukas Rosol, who is best known for his upset win against Rafael Nadal at 2012 Wimbledon. Murray is likely to face Olympic bronze medallist Kei Nishikori in the quarters before a likely encounter against Stan Wawrinka in the last-four.

Projected #USOpen men's QFs:

Djokovic-Cilic

Nadal-Raonic

Thiem-Wawrinka

Nishikori-Murray
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 26, 2016

In women’s singles, top seed and World No.1 Serena Williams will face a tough first round match against Ekaterina Makarova, who was Serena’s opponent in the semi-final of the 2014 US Open. Serena won the match 6-1, 6-3 back then before going to lift the title by defeating Caroline Wozniacki in straight-sets. Serena could have another tough match in the Round of 16 and is likely to face 2011 US Open finalist Samantha Stosur of Australia. The top seed could face Romania’s Simona Halep in the last-8 before a potential semi-final clash with Agnieszka Radwańska or Venus Williams.

World No.2 Angelique Kerber starts with a first round match against Polona Hercog of Slovenia before a potential encounter against Alize Cornet or Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in the second round. Roberto Vinci could be the likely opponent of Kerber in quarters, while 2016 French Open champion Garbine Muruguza is likely to face Madison Keys in last-8.