Rafael Nadal handed tough French Open draw

Rafael Nadal could face world number one Novak Djokovic in quarter-finals of the French Open after the draw handed him the toughest of routes to a possible 10th title.

The Spaniard, seeded sixth after a disappointing year so far, would then face a potential semi-final against third seed Andy Murray and a final against 17-times grand slam champion Roger Federer.

The 28-year-old, who holds the record for titles at Roland Garros, will take on Frenchman Quentin Halys in the first round. World number one Djokovic will probably be less than happy about the prospect of facing Nadal in the quarter-finals as he bids to win the only major title to elude him.

He lost to Nadal in two of the last three finals and in an epic semi-final in 2013. Murray, who beat Nadal in the Madrid Masters final this month, has a possible quarter-final clash against seventh seed David Ferrer of Spain.

In the women's draw, holder Maria Sharapova, the second seed, will face Estonian Kaia Kanepi in the first round and possibly former runner-up Samantha Stosur of Australia in the third.

World number one Serena Williams, has a possible third-round encounter against Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, a former world number one, and could face her sister Venus in the fourth round.