Miami Masters draw: Tough path for Djokovic, kinder for Alcaraz
Meanwhile, struggling Zverev could meet Indian Wells champion Jack Draper in the quarterfinals
Carlos Alcaraz, Miami, 2024 © Zuma / Psnewz
The Indian Wells Masters 1000 has barely ended, having been won by Jack Draper, and now it’s time for the Miami Masters 1000 – taking place from March 19-30 – where defending champion Jannik Sinner will be absent this year. World No 3 Carlos Alcaraz has landed in a relatively comfortable part of the draw that is well within his reach, at least until the semi-finals. Alexander Zverev, the world No 2 and top seed in Miami, could face three French players in his first three rounds.
World No 5 Novak Djokovic, after his elimination in the first round of Indian Wells against Botic van de Zandschulp, will not have any easy rounds, starting with a potential first match against his compatriot Hamad Medjedovic, who was runner-up in Marseille last month.
Jack Draper, the world No 6 and newly-crowned king of Indian Wells, will start against talented teenager Jakub Mensik or Roberto Bautista-Agut. World No 11 Holger Rune – runner-up in California – will start against Christopher Eubanks or Reilly Opelka.
Zverev’s projected path
- First round: Bye
- Second round: Bonzi or qualifier
- Third round: Mpetshi Perricard or Thompson
- Round of 16: Tiafoe or Fils
- Quarter-finals: Draper or Rune
- Semi-finals: Fritz or Rublev
- Final: Alcaraz or Djokovic
Alcaraz’s projected path
- First round: Bye
- Second round: Goffin or Vukic
- Third round: Nakashima or Carballes Baena
- Round of 16: Dimitrov or Khachanov/Kyrgios
- Quarter-finals: Ruud or Paul
- Semi-finals: Djokovic or Medvedev
- Final: Zverev or Fritz
Djokovic’s projected path
- First round: Bye
- Second round: Medjedovic or Hijikata
- Third round: Michelsen or Qualifier
- Round of 16: Musetti or Auger-Aliassime
- Quarter-finals: Medvedev or Tsitsipas
- Semi-finals: Alcaraz or Ruud
- Final: Zverev or Fritz
MATCHES OF THE FIRST ROUND
Joao Fonseca – Learner Tien: The two most promising young players at the beginning of the year will meet in the first round of in Miami. The former, 18 years old and 60th in the world, won his first ATP title in Buenos Aires last month. The latter, 19 years old and ranked 66th in the world, reached the round of 16 at the Australian Open earlier this year, stunning Daniil Medvedev in the second round. He also reached the final of the Nitto ATP Next Gen Finals last December, beaten by the Brazilian.
Gaël Monfils – Fabian Marozsan: An exciting match between two entertaining players. The Frenchman will have to be wary of the Bulgarian with a reputation as someone who thrives on big-name scalps. Their first and only clash took place in Auckland last year which Marozsan won.
