Wimbledon 2015: Djokovic gets a tough draw; Murray, Nadal and Federer in same half

The 2015 Wimbldone men’s singles draw was announced today, and it has thrown up some curveballs for the top players. Here’s a detailed look at the possibilities that are likely to unfold over the next couple of weeks:

Novak Djokovic stares at a difficult draw as he looks to defend his title

First Quarter

Defending champion Novak Djokovic has a tough draw to contend with as he aims to make it two out of two at Wimbledon. The Serb opens his campaign against German Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first round. He could face either Jarkko Nieminen or Lleyton Hewitt, who is playing his last Wimbledon, in the second round.

Bernard Tomic could be the third round opponent for the World No. 1.

World No. 5 Kei Nishikori is drawn in the same quarter as Djokovic. He faces Simone Bolelli in his opener, and the winner of the match between Santiago Giraldo and Joao Souza will likely play the Japanese in the second round.

2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic could face big serving American John Isner in what promises to be a ace-filled third round match.

Possible R16:

Novak Djokovic vs Kevin Anderson

Kei Nishikori vs Marin Cilic

Second Quarter

Reigning French Open champion Stan Wawrinka opens up against Joao Sousa in the first round. The Swiss could face either Victor Estrella Burgos or Benjamin Becker in the second round before a potential third round clash against Dominic Thiem.

Milos Raonic, who missed out on the French Open due to injury, will face Damien Gimeno-Traver in the first round. He could then face Nick Kyrgios, in a re-match of last year’s quarterfinal in the third round.

Grigor Dimitrov, a semifinalist here last year, will face Federico Delbonis in the first round and Richard Gasquet could be his opponent in the third round.

Possible R16:

Stan Wawrinka vs David Goffin

Milos Raonic vs Grigor Dimitrov

Third Quarter

2013 champion Andy Murray will face Mikhail Kukushkin in the first round. The Scot’s second round opponent could be either Robin Haase or Alejandro Falla, and Andreas Seppi will likely await the two-time Grand Slam champion in the third round.

Rafael Nadal, who is seeded 10 at this year’s tournament, opens against another left hander in Thomaz Bellucci. A possible second round clash against Dustin Brown is on the cards.

Possible R16:

Rafael Nadal vs David Ferrer

Andy Murray vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Fourth Quarter

17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will take on Damir Dzumhur in the first round. Sam Querrey could be the World No. 2’s second round opponent, with a possible third round encounter against American Jack Sock.

Tomas Berdych is in the same quarter as Federer and faces Frenchman Jeremy Chardy in the first round.

Possible R16:

Roger Federer vs Feliciano Lopez

Tomas Berdych vs Gael Monfils