This tourney was re-instated into the calendar because let’s face it, there just aren’t enough lower tier clay events on the ATP calendar. Thomas Muster of course was granted a wild card, which predictably led to a 3 and love defeat to Kohlschreiber. My man Montanes is unseeded and could spoil the party. Marcel Granollers is on a roll after winning in Gstaad and Albert Ramos is starting to make a name for himself of late. It’s a grinder’s delight!
Let’s break it down:
Surface: Clay
Defending Champion: None
Dark Horse: Albert Montanes
Wildcards: Thomas ‘Iron Man’ Muster
My pick: Albert Montanes
The first 500 series tournament of the US Open series and my man David Nalbandian returns (again) to defend his title. Should be a fun tournament with plenty of US interest as Ryan Harrison is yapping at the big boy’s heels. Crowd pleasers such as Blake, (who could meet Nalbandian Rd.2), Haas, Gonzalez and Monfils play, so expect some big shot making if perhaps not wins. Fish must be tired, but I’m still picking him for the title. He then should rest up before the big one.
Let’s break it down:
Surface: Hard
Defending Champion: David ‘Nails’ Nalbandian
Dark Horse: Ryan Harrison
My pick: Mardy Fish
