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French Open draw sets Novak Djokovic against the world on grand slam return

As if Novak Djokovic needed any more motivation ahead of the French Open. The talk of tennis right now is on the future and the seemingly indomitable pair of Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz, but there is also a grizzled and grittier tale to contest it. Djokovic’s return to the grand slam arena was never going to be a subtle one and Thursday’s draw has thrown up a line of targets directly in his path. The prospect of facing his great rival Rafael Nadal and then Alcaraz, the heir apparent, in order to reach the final ensures that once again, Djokovic should find himself centre stage once this all kicks off.

Nadal plays down chances of 14th French Open crown

PARIS: Rafael Nadal has played down his chances of winning a record-extending 14th French Open title but said he would not be in Paris if he thought it was not possible.

Rafael Nadal 'feeling better' ahead of French Open but says 'pain is always there' due to foot injury

Rafael Nadal has played down concerns over his injured foot ahead of his quest for a record-extending 14th French Open title. There were doubts over whether the 35-year-old would even play in Paris after he limped and grimaced towards the end of his Italian Open defeat to Denis Shapovalov earlier this month. Ad/> Nadal also lost to Carlos Alcaraz in Madrid, when he was returning from a rib injury, and has not won a clay title this season.

Naomi Osaka admits to fears over French Open return after pulling out last year

Naomi Osaka admitted she was “very worried” about returning to Roland Garros after last year’s furore that led to her withdrawal.

French Open 'goosebumps' serve as Djokovic motivator

Novak Djokovic says memories of last year's French Open triumph give him "goosebumps" and will spur him on in his pursuit of a third title at Roland Garros and record-equalling 21st major. Djokovic makes his return to Grand Slam action after his high-profile deportation from Australia, heading to Paris after winning a first title of the year at the Italian Open. "I feel I am always in that contention to fight for any Grand Slam trophy," Djokovic said on Friday.

Rafael Nadal ready for painful French Open campaign

Rafael Nadal is hoping his chronic foot problem will ease sufficiently to allow him to challenge for a 14th French Open title.

'Nothing to recover': Nadal dismisses doubts over foot injury

Rafael Nadal has played down concerns over the chronic foot issue that resurfaced in Rome last week as he prepares to launch his bid for a 14th French Open title. The Spaniard limped to a third-round loss to Denis Shapovalov at the Italian Open, but practised in front of thousands of fans at Roland Garros on Wednesday without any obvious discomfort. "There is nothing to recover," Nadal told reporters Friday.

Leclerc leads Ferrari in first practice for Spanish GP

MONTMELÓ, Spain (AP) — Formula One leader Charles Leclerc and Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz set the fastest times in the first practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix on Friday.

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Australia Sport News

French Open draw sets Novak Djokovic against the world on grand slam return

Nadal plays down chances of 14th French Open crown

Rafael Nadal 'feeling better' ahead of French Open but says 'pain is always there' due to foot injury

Naomi Osaka admits to fears over French Open return after pulling out last year

French Open 'goosebumps' serve as Djokovic motivator

Rafael Nadal ready for painful French Open campaign

'Nothing to recover': Nadal dismisses doubts over foot injury

Leclerc leads Ferrari in first practice for Spanish GP