Rio Olympics: Djokovic draws del Potro in men's teis opener

RIO DE JANEIRO — Novak Djokovic will face 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in the first round at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Del Potro’s ranking has fallen to 145th after he endured three operations on his left wrist. But at his first Grand Slam in 21/2 years, he upset fourth-seeded Stan Wawrinka at Wimbledon last month. The Argentine beat Djokovic for the bronze medal in London four years ago.

Djokovic is seeking his first Olympic title. A potential semifinal opponent for the Serb is third-seeded Rafael Nadal, who hasn’t played since withdrawing from the French Open because of a left wrist injury.

Reigning gold medalist Andy Murray could face fourth-seeded Kei Nishikori in the semifinals. The Wimbledon champion plays 35th-ranked Viktor Troicki in the first round in the 64-player draw.

Wawrinka and Swiss teammate Roger Federer both pulled out of the Olympics because of injuries.

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