Monte Carlo
We have now arrived to the first clay TMS of the season, which is one of the most prestigious, even though that clown Mr. Disney was trying to degrade its status, but the groundswell of support shows that there is still a lot of love there. This event has traditionally been the best indicator of Roland Garros success. Well here comes the problem will we see Rafael Nadal sleepwalk, while playing at 30% capacity and still winning the event easily. Or the unlikely scenario is that he might be challenged or pushed, let alone beaten. This season has been different to say the least, but Nadal losing on clay would liven it up for sure.
Federer after winning his 1st challenger title in years, well not really sure what level of form he is at. He has a kind draw until the QFs. The next section is of interest Boredo made the semis last week, but he still isn't in the form he was over the last 2 seasons. The possibility of too much tennis over the last 2 years has taken the edge off, he has a difficult 1st round with Stani Wawrinka. He leads 3-1, but Stani won the last one easily, this is the best surface for both of them. I think Stani will get the job done this time around, he has to be careful of making basic errors as Robredo will just get the ball back. Thunder Lips and Toad will be agood clash of styles, too bad they decided to put the match in Italy. Nalbandian is in this quarter, not sure how we will play. Personally I don't expect too much from him in this event, he had some muscle soreness in Davis Cup and he will be playing better in Barcelona and Rome, it would be good to be proven otherwise.
Guga is playing for the last time in Monte Carlo an event which he has won, just hope he can perform as well as he can, though I don't see him beating Ljubicic. This section has a potential Djokovic and Murray match in the 3rd round, it would be a surprise not to see Djokovic there, but Murray is still unknown on the clay. Take a bow Sam Querrey the only American player with the balls to come over and play with the big boys in Monte Carlo. It won't be easy for him as he plays the 10th seed Moya, he needs to serve big and hit some big forehands, then he might have a show. The Calleri and Seppi match is a difficult one as they are both favourites, their form has been up and down and it will be difficult to call the winner on this, though both of them do have a chance against Moya in the 2nd round. Rounding this section off will be Vliegen and Gasquet, the young Frenchie definitely has a lot to prove after the fiasco with Davis Cup. Allegedly he had blisters, a knee injury, dandruff. whatever the ailment, he has something to prove.
Andreev has the chance to take on Youzhny in the 2nd round, because he really shouldn't lose to Tursunov on clay, at the time I said that about Berdych losing to Roddick on clay. Possible 2nd round rematch from Valencia with Mucho Almagro and Juan Monaco, this will be a lot closer than the last one, conditions will be different, the court is faster in Monte Carlo and Monaco has got the jet lag out of the system, it wouldn't surprise if either Monaco or Almagro is the quarter finalist in this section. Chucho Acasuso plays Kohlschreiber, both of them had poor matches last time out in Davis Cup, especially Chucho getting thrashed by Soderling at home, but this is a good time to bounce back. Chucho's heavy game should be too strong for Kohli, then he'd take on Kiefer. Chela who is sucking at the moment needs to beat Bolelli and he would play Davydenko, who he enjoys a good record against.
Safin and Malisse, two headcases, should be the odd broken racquet and swear word in this match, if they are both switched on, then there is a chance to see some good tennis. Solid Starace will get a lot of Italian support, he'd fancy his chances of a 3rd round appearance. Ferrer is the man in their section, his level was not great at Valencia, but he got through that bad patch, not sure which Ferrer will show up this week.
As for the bottom part. Nadal is there and the all rest are just props, though I'd love Nieminen or Ancic to give the vamos, arse picking Mallorquin a challenge.
3 comments:
It's about time you lazy individual that you updated this. Excellent preview as always.
Lapentti and Starace, what a tight and bruising encounter this was. This is claycourt tennis and Lapentti using his slices and does not believe in playing at a fast tempo.
Mathieu and Tipsarevic was entertaining, though this could have been played on any surface.
Querrey big win for the Lone Ranger.
Great to see this blog active again and an interesting title as always. Querrey had a great run in the tournament, Andreev did well to reach the quarters but missed a chance to knock out PMK there and Ferrer seems to be playing well again. Not much has changed at the top relative to last year, at least Federer tried some variety in the final but he was never consistent enough to put the result of the final in doubt.
The Lone Ranger what a legend. I don't particularly like the guy but it was nice to see his efforts to play and improve on the surface rewarded with a good run.
If Nadal was made a wear a blindfold and headbutt the ball, he still would have won the tournament.
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