Madrid Open 2022: Rafael Nadal's projected path to the final

Rafael Nadal will kick off his claycourt season at the Madrid Open after missing out on the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open. The Spaniard has had a magnificent 2022 season, winning 20 out of 21 matches so far.

Nadal is seeded third at the Madrid Open and is a heavy favorite to win the tournament. The 35-year-old will chase a record-extending sixth title in the Spanish capital this year.

On that note, let us take a closer look at Nadal's projected path to the final of the Madrid Open.

Rafael Nadal's likely 2nd-round opponent - Miomir Kecmanovic

Nadal will face either Miomir Kecmanovic or Alexander Bublik in the second round. The Serb has produced some impressive performances lately, reaching the quarterfinals of six tournaments this year. He should be able to get the better of Bublik.

Nadal and Kecmanovic previously met at the Mexican Open in 2020, with the Spaniard winning 6-2, 7-5.

Rafael Nadal's likely 3rd-round opponent - Pablo Carreno Busta

In the last 16, Nadal will most likely take on Barcelona Open runner-up and fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.

Nadal has an 8-0 head-to-head advantage against Carreno Busta and will be the heavy favorite should they meet in the last 16.

Rafael Nadal's likely quarter-final opponent - Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz has been in sensational form so far this season, winning three competitions already.

Nadal and Alcaraz played out a thrilling match at Indian Wells and there is no doubt we will see another humdinger if they lock horns in Madrid. Alcaraz stands a fair chance of winning, but Nadal, if fully fit, should manage to edge out the Spanish teenager.

Rafael Nadal's likely semi-final opponent - Novak Djokovic/Casper Ruud

For most tennis fans, seeing a Nadal-Djokovic semifinal in a Masters event is a joyous match-up. However, the Serb will first have to find a way to navigate his section of the draw, including a potential quarter-final meeting with Casper Ruud.

Nadal and Djokovic have met a record 27 times on clay, with the Spaniard leading the head-to-head 19-8. In their last meeting on clay, Djokovic beat Nadal in the semifinals of the 2021 French Open.

Rafael Nadal's likely opponent in the final - Stefanos Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas seems the most likely candidate to reach the final from his half of the draw.

The Greek produced some sensational tennis in Monte-Carlo to defend his title at the Masters event.

Nadal and Tsitsipas have played each other nine times, with the Spaniard winning seven matches. The pair played a thrilling Barcelona Open final last year and another magnificent clash is on the cards.