The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters is the most glamorous stop on the tour and due to many players living in Monaco, this almost seems like a home tournament to many including Djokovic, Berdych, Stepanek and Cilic.
Nadal should have an easy go of it until Ferrer in the quarters but he owns their head to head, so Djokovic is the chief threat. Federer could be Novak’s main obstacle, but the Swiss Army Knife would have to possibly negotiate Tsonga, Fognini or Bautista Agut who are all capable of an upset.
Let’s Break It Down!
ATP Level: 1000
Surface: Outdoor Clay
Defending Champion: Novak Djokovic – Fresh off a win against Nadal in Miami, he’s chasing his fifth successive ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown by retaining the title.
Floater: Roberto Bautista Agut – Comes in 13-9 match record this week and is highly adept on the dirt.
Youngblood: Pablo Carreno Busta – The Spanish Armada is not weakening. At 22 and ranked 62 already.
Slumping: Stan Wawrinka – It’s been a slow few weeks for the Aussie champ and gets the tough Cilic in round 2.
On Fire: Fernando ‘Hot Sauce’ Verdasco – His first title in 4 years last week; the Spaniard is finding his way back.
My pick: Rafael Nadal – This is his backyard and he’ll be chomping to get back at Nole. Title number 9 in Monte Carlo.
Did You Know?: Rafael Nadal won an Open Era record eighth successive title there in 2012 and has a staggering 44-2 event record.
Watch: Monte Carlo Uncovered
Thanks for reading and check back next week for more predictions!