ATP Picks: San Jose, Rotterdam, Sao Paulo

Milos Raonic comes into defend his title coming off a Davis Cup outing for Canada, so he could be a little fatigued. He does get a decent draw though.

Lots of American talent here for this one with the bottom half of the draw loaded with them. Roddick anchors it as #2 seed and I think comes through for the tournament win. Dark horse is Sam Querry who is looking to keep pace with his buddy Isner and remain a serious player for the US.

Let’s break it down:

Surface: Indoor Hard
Defending Champion: Milos ‘Baby Face’Raonic
Dark Horse: Sam ‘Samurai’ Querry
My pick: Andy Roddick

Richard Krajicek runs this event well and has attracted some good talent this year. Federer returns from a disappointing Davis Cup loss to the US and will look to bounce back with some wins but faces some stiff competition from Del Potro, Berdych and Gasquet. I still think he picks up the title.

Watch out for the Dutch contingent, who are looking stronger these days with Haase, De Bakker and Sijsling all looking to play well in front of a home crowd and Wimbledon champ Krajicek.

Let’s break it down:

Surface: Indoor Hard
Defending Champion: Robin Soderling
Dark Horse: Robin ‘Schlobber’ Haase
My pick: Roger Federer

Fernando Gonzalez announced his retirement after the Miami tournament and so gets a few swan song wild cards over the next few events.

The Spanish dominate of course with Almagro, Verdasco and Ferrero but watch out for David Nalbandian, who played great in Argentina’s drubbing of Germany on clay in the Davis Cup. My prediction though is that a Spaniard will win.

Let’s break it down:

Surface: Outdoor Hard
Defending Champion: Nicolas Almagro
Dark Horse: David ‘Nails’ Nalbandian
My pick: Nicolas Almagro

Watch: San Jose, Rotterdam, Costa do Sauipe Uncovered