Djokovic, Federer drawn in same Shanghai half
Print Edition
WORLD No. 1 Novak Djokovic and world No. 3 Roger Federer were drawn in the same half of the Shanghai Rolex Masters, while Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka sit in the other half of the 56-entry draw.
The top eight seeds have been awarded first-round byes. Before a potential semifinal clash against Federer, two-time defending champion Djokovic may have to face the challenge of Andy Murray, though the Serb beat the 11th-seeded Scot 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinal of the China Open in Beijing yesterday.
But Murray may have to make sure he can get past the tournament’s fifth seed David Ferrer of Spain. Ferrer has a bye in the first round, but could face Martin Klizan of Slovakia in the second round, the latter having knocked out world No. 2 Rafael Nadal at the China Open before losing to Tomas Berdych yesterday.
Seventh seed Kei Nishikori of Japan and 10th-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov are also in the upper half of the tournament which began yesterday.
Nadal, who has never been crowned in Shanghai, will play Spanish compatriot Feliciano Lopez or a qualifier in his opener. Joining him in the lower half are Australian Open champion Wawrinka, Berdych, US Open champion Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic.
As for Chinese players, wildcard entry Zhang Ze, who attended the tournament’s draw yesterday, has a first-round match against Julien Benneteau of France.
Zhang partnered Federer in doubles at the 2013 Shanghai Rolex Masters, with the duo advancing to the second round where they were edged 1-6, 6-1, 8-10 by Ivan Dodig of Croatia and Marcelo Melo of Brazil.
China’s top-ranked men’s player is looking forward to a breakthrough in singles this year. “Last year’s experience (partnering Federer) helped me in accommodating myself in big tournaments. My performance at the Asian Games has also boosted my confidence,” he said.
Zhang partnered Zheng Jie in mixed doubles at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, clinching a bronze medal.
Zhang’s teammate and wildcard holder Wu Di faces Argentine Leonardo Mayer in their first match at Qi Zhong Stadium in suburban Minhang District, and the winner will challenge Federer. Lu Yen-hsun of Chinese Taipei will play Spaniard Marcel Granollers in his tournament opener.
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