German Tennis Championships: Players to watch out for

After the action on the hallowed turfs at Wimbledon, the ATP tour moves on to the red clay at the German Tennis Championships in Hamburg. Being the last of the ATP 500 events on clay, this tournament would be an ideal event for clay court specialists to garner some points ahead of the hard court season. Here are a few players to watch out for at the Rothenbaum Tennis Center this week:

1) Roger Federer

After a shock exit at Wimbledon in the 2^nd round, Roger Federer’s ranking has plunged to world number 5 for the first time in a decade. The Swiss Maestro would have to bring back his A-game this season if he wants to break back into the top 4 again.

However, the going won’t be easy for the 17-time Grand Slam champion in Hamburg as he would be up against some tricky opponents. If the draw pans out according to the script, Federer would be up against Latvian Ernests Gulbis in the 3^rd round. Gulbis had defeated the Swiss ace in Rome in 2010.

If he passes that hurdle, Federer could have a possible quarterfinal against 7^th seed Alexandr Dolgopolov or Spaniard Feliciano Lopez. The unorthodox playing style of Dolgopolov and his unique slices would be a potent weapon in the tournament, something the Swiss would have to be wary of if he comes face-to-face with the Ukrainian.

Federer could be up against Wimbledon semifinalist Jerzy Janowicz in the last 4 with a possible final showdown against German Tommy Haas.

All in all, the Swiss maestro would surely have his work cut out if he wants to win the title in Hamburg.

2) Tommy Haas

The home favourite and the oldest player in the top 100, Tommy Haas, after a quarterfinal showing on the Parisian clay and a top 16 finish at Wimbledon, would be a firm favourite to lift the trophy in Hamburg. The German has had an extraordinary season so far, which has resulted in him being on the brink of breaking into the top 10.

The German could be up against Slovak Martin Klizan in the round of 16, followed possibly by a quarterfinal encounter against Stuttgart finalist Fabio Fognini or 6^th seed Andreas Seppi.

If he surpasses this Italian challenge, the 35-year-old could be up against dangerous Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in the semifinals. The German has had the better of Almagro on all three occasions they have faced off and would certainly fancy his chances to reach the title clash in Hamburg. If the German plays to his form this year, he is certain to go deep into the draw at his home event.

3) Nicolas Almagro

The Spaniard has not had a great year so far, failing to capture a single title, resulting in his singles ranking dropping down to number 16. But Almagro’s game is suited to clay and no player can take him lightly in this tournament.

The Spaniard could be up against a very tough opponent in the 3^rd round in the form of Russian Mikhail Youzhny. Almagro has never beaten the Russian in the five occasions they have met, and would have a tough task on his hands in the round of 16.

If he manages to break his losing streak to the Russian, Almagro could face a quarterfinal against defending champion Argentine Juan Monaco or rising Frenchman Benoit Paire.

All in all, it appears that the Spaniard will have to play out of his skin if he has to reach the business end of the tournament.

4) Jerzy Janowicz

After a splendid showing at SW19, Polish number 1 Jerzy Janowicz would be confident of going the distance at the German Tennis Championships.

The Pole could be up against Wimbledon quarterfinalist Fernando Verdasco in the round of 16. The Spaniard showed enough determination and skill in his quarterfinal clash against eventual champion Andy Murray at Wimbledon, and could certainly upset the Pole in the 3rd round encounter.

A possible quarterfinal clash with Spaniard Tommy Robredo or Frenchman Jeremy Chardy awaits the Polish number one. If he gets through these matches, the Pole could come face-to-face with 2007 champion Roger Federer in the last 4.

Everything considered, the Pole would have some difficult opponents en route to the final and would have to rely on his big serves to get him through the tournament.