The draw for Wimbledon was unveiled on Friday and it was kind to defending champion Novak Djokovic as three of his biggest rivals were placed on the opposite side.
Former champions Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal are in the bottom half of the men's draw.
The top-ranked Djokovic will open against German veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber and could face 2002 champion Lleyton Hewitt in the second round.
The top half also includes Kei Nishikori and Stan Wawrinka, the man who beat Djokovic in the French Open final.
Federer will begin his quest for a record eighth title at the All England Club against Damir Dzumhur and could face former finalist Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals.
Murray, the 2013 champion, and two-time winner Nadal could meet in the quarterfinals, with Federer possibly looming in the semifinals.
In the women's draw, five-time champion Serena Williams will open play against Russian Margarita Gasparyan.
The top-ranked Williams could face sister Venus, who also owns five Wimbledon titles, in the fourth round, Victoria Azarenka in the quarterfinals and former champion Maria Sharapova in the semifinals.
Defending champion Petra Kvitova is in the bottom half of the draw, which also includes Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki.
[SportsNetwork.com]
