Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters
The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters kick starts the real clay court season and the top half of the draw looks like a scene from 13 Samurai. A total bloodbath!
The lower half looks Rated PG in comparison, as the seeds have a straightforward time of it with Murray and Nadal slated to meet in the semi-finals, although Murray would have to negotiate Almagro and Wawrinka first. David Ferrer pulls out and Roger Federer skips, but we still have a Big 3 with Djokovic.
Look out for Richard Gasquet here. He historically plays well in France and at this tournament and could meet Djokovic in the semi-finals. He’s been playing his best tennis of late and could have worse draws.
Let’s Break It Down!
ATP Level: 1000
Surface: Outdoor Clay
Defending Champion: Rafael Nadal – Seeks his 9th consecutive title at the event. Nadal just needs to show up.
Floater: Ernests ‘Lights Out’ Gulbis – In Djokovic’s quarter and gets Isner first round. Who knows what could happen.
Veteran Watch: Radek ‘The Worm’ Stepanek – Back from injury so it will be interesting to see if he can get through to face fellow Czech Berdych round 3.
Youngblood: Jerzy Janowicz – Faces fellow Big Man Kevin Anderson, who could be tired from Casablanca last week.
Slumping: Fernando ‘Hot Sauce’ Verdasco – Could face Nadal in round 2, so hopefully plays a good first match.
On Fire: ‘Long’ John Isner – Took down Juan Monaco on clay last week and could face him again in the 2nd round before Djokovic.
Wildcards to Watch: Gael ‘Force’ Monfils - Could face Murray in the 3rd round if he gets his act together.
My pick: Rafael Nadal – If Djokovic was fully fit, I’d give him the edge, otherwise it’s title number 9 for The Bull.
Did You Know?: Rafael Nadal won an Open Era record eighth successive title there in 2012 and has a staggering 44-1 event record.
Watch:
Thanks for reading and check back next week for more predictions!