French Open draw 2017 announced: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic poised for semifinal meeting

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, two of the top players in the world, were drawn into the same half for the 2017 French Open on Friday. Nadal is the favorite to win the whole thing and will open his bid against Benoit Paire.

Djokovic has been struggling of late on top of that, while Nadal has won 17 consecutive matches on the clay. Then there is Dominic Thiem, the man many believe will step up and really compete for the title this year. And of course, the top-seeded Andy Murray cannot be overlooked.

Murray could have a run-in with Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals. Murray also could have a tough match with Juan Martin del Potro in the third round if they both make it that far.

Unfortunately, the men’s draw will not include Roger Federer. The 18-time Grand Slam winner is trying to preserve his longevity and is skipping both the French Open and the clay court season. Federer hopes to keep himself fresh and at his best for the grass court, his strongest playing surface.

“I need to recognize that scheduling will be the key to my longevity, thus, my team and I concluded that playing just one event on clay was not in the best interest of my tennis and physical preparation for the remainder of the season,” Federer said. “I will miss the French fans, who have always been so supportive, and I look forward to seeing them at Roland Garros next year.”

On the women’s side, with the absence of Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, things are fairly open. Garbine Muguruza is the defending champion and will face the 2010 winner, Francesca Schiavone, in the first round. Top-ranked Angelique Kerber will take on Ekaterina Makarova to start her bid.

Simona Halep is considered one of the favorites to win, and she will open against Jana Cepelova.

Play begins on Sunday at Roland Garros. You can find the men’s singles draw here and the women’s singles draw here.