French Open 2016: Tournament Draw Schedule and Favourites with Challenging Paths

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal could be set for a semi-final meeting after the draw for the 2016 French Open revealed their paths. But they aren't the only two prominent players set for challenging journeys at Roland Garros.

Andy Murray ended up in the same half as defending champion Stan Wawrinka. Meanwhile, in the women's event, Serena Williams has a tough road ahead, one that could involve a meeting with world No. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska if both players reach the final.

For the full draw in each event, visit the tournament's official site here and here.

The Roland Garros Twitter feed detailed when the opening matches will take place:

Potential Nadal-Djokovic Semi-Final Highlight of Men's Draw

If the draw plays out the way it's supposed to, spectators at Roland Garros will be treated to a true heavyweight encounter between two obvious favourites.

Nine-time champion Nadal vs. Djokovic, who has lost three of four finals at Roland Garros, is a possibility, per an Associated Press report (h/t the New York Times).

Nadal has beaten Djokovic twice on the red clay, so he would appear the favourite in this scenario. But Ed McGrogan, senior editor of Tennis.com, believes a Djokovic in the "absolute prime of his career" can finally snap his problems in this particular event.

Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images

As for Nadal, Eurosport's Ben Snowball believes he's "just short of title-winning form."

Either way, matches between these two rarely disappoint. A titanic tussle could be great news for the winner of the other semi-final, who would get an exhausted opponent for the tournament's signature match.

Tricky Tests Could Await Murray

Murray's path will begin with a qualifier against 37-year-old Radek Stepanek, but it's far from the toughest obstacle on his slate. There's also a potential fourth-round date with either 19th seed Benoit Paire or 15th seed John Isner to consider, per the ATP official site.

Yet, as BBC Sport's Russell Fuller pointed out, the more daunting task would lie ahead:

While a last-eight encounter with Kei Nishikori would push Murray, it would only be the start of the tough tests should he make it through. BBC Kheridine of BBC Scotland revealed what Murray's full path looks like:

Murray has often seemed like a victim of an era when the sport is dominated by a host of true greats. But if he managed to negotiate this arduous path, the 2016 Italian Open winner would move closer to earning that status for himself.

22nd Major a Big Ask for Serena

Victoria Azarenka in the quarter-finals. Radwanska in the final. Those are just two of the imposing tasks facing Williams as she bids to match Steffi Graf's record for professional wins in the majors.

The 34-year-old could also meet Angelique Kerber in the semi-finals—the same player who dispatched Williams from the Australian Open, according to Nick McCarvel of USA Today.

It's as tough a path to the final as it could get for the clear favourite at Roland Garros. But WTA Insider Courtney Nguyen isn't so sure. She sees one way the rest of the women's draw might actually work to Williams' advantage:

Whichever view you take, it's clear Williams is going to have to see off some elite competition to match Graf. But that's not something the defending champion usually has much trouble doing.

Each of the big names has been handed paths that are sure to test his or her credentials and reputation at this major. Whoever overcomes the challenges successfully will more than merit the title.