Novak Djokovic will likely need to overcome a teen freak if he is to clinch Wimbledon glory, after the reveal of the draws dumped the Serbian superstar on a collision course with Carlos Alcaraz.
It’s anticipated that Djokovic will meet the 19-year-old Spaniard in the quarter-final stage – and that spells trouble.
Not only has Alcaraz clinched ATP titles in Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Barcelona and Madrid in 2022, the rising sensation defeated Djokovic en route to victory in Madrid.
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In a run of triumphs that delivered his rivals a frightening warning, Alcaraz beat top-10 stars Rafael Nadal, Djokovic and Alexander Zverev on his way to victory in Spain’s capital in May.
Djokovic will open his campaign at the All England Club against Kwon Soon-woo, and awaits potential clashes with Thanasi Kokkinakis, Miomir Kecmanović, Reilly Opelka, Alcaraz, Casper Ruud and Nadal, as he plots his bid for a 21st singles grand slam title.
As Serena Williams returns to the court with a record-equalling 24th singles major in her sights, the US tennis legend will meet world No.113 Harmony Tan of France in the opening round.
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Meanwhile, Australian Nick Kyrgios will start his campaign against world No.219 Paul Jubb of Briton and could do battle with Greek world No.6 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round.
A clash with Nadal wouldn’t take place until the semi-finals, and he can’t face Djokovic until the final.
Australian Alex de Minaur will square off with Bolivian world No.81 Hugo Dellien in the first round.
Wimbledon will get underway on Monday.
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