It's Official: Federer's Path to Nadal Potentially Blocked by Djokovic

The French Open draw is out, and as many fans had been hoping, it allows both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic the chance to set up a title showdown with Rafael Nadal.

Rafael Nadal has been drawn to meet Andy Murray in the semifinals, while Roger Federer has been drawn to meet Novak Djokovic in the semis, should all of them get that far.

Nadal will commence his bid for a fifth straight French Open title against a qualifier in the first round, but can potentially meet former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt in the third round, and could also run into compatriot David Ferrer in the fourth round.

All this could be followed by a quarterfinal meeting with another countryman, Fernando Verdasco.

As for Roger Federer, his bid for an elusive Roland Garros title starts out against Alberto Martin of Spain, and could see him meet Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals, before the mouth-watering prospect of a showdown with Djokovic. 

Andy Murray faces a tricky first round match against former world No. 15, Juan Ignacio Chela. His quarterfinal opponent could potentially be French No. 7 Gilles Simon. However, Simon has not done too well on clay this season.

Djokovic faces a first round clash with Nicolas Lapentti while a tricky third round clash against former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero could also take place. Djokovic would have to tackle No. 5 Juan Martin Del Potro at the quarterfinal stage, provided they both progress that far, before his looming showdown with Federer.

It has panned out as an interesting draw, in fact, the draw that every fan wanted. It gives both Federer and Djokovic the chance to prove superiority over the other on clay before that all-important final against Nadal.