Monte Carlo Masters Preview: A head start to the clay court season

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Monte Carlo is the azure sea and the sand beaches. However, a tennis fan would relate more to the clay than the sand of Monte Carlo.

The build-up to the Monte Carlo Masters throws up some interesting prospects – Novak Djokovic on a winning streak, Roger Federer returning back to form, the rise of players like Fabio Fognini and Grigor Dimitrov. To add to that, eight-time champion Rafael Nadal is a runaway favourite at any tournament on clay.

All these factors promise to make for some very interesting viewing as we head into the clay leg of the ATP tour.

Monte Carlo Country Club

Entering Rafael Nadal territory:

For the past decade, the clay court season has been dominated by one player – Rafael Nadal. Such has been his dominance that there was a period during which Nadal had not lost a single match in the month of April for consecutive years.

However, after last year’s defeat in Monaco, a Nadal win cannot be considered a foregone conclusion.

The year for Nadal has not been as dramatic as his comeback year in 2013. A defeat in the Australian Open final, an early exit in Indian Wells and a loss in the Miami final don’t sum up to the form of last year. But on his favoured surface, Nadal is always a serious force to reckon with.

The Spaniard will start his campaign against Gilles Simon or a qualifier. A round of 16 clash with Mikhail Youzhny awaits him if the draw pans out according to the seeding. Nadal could face a tricky quarterfinal against compatriot David Ferrer or Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov. If he manages to get past the quarters, a rematch of the Australian Open final could be on the cards.

Novak Djokovic’s quest for the elusive Slam:

Novak Djokovic with the 2013 Monte Carlo Masters trophy

Novak Djokovic started the season on a subdued note, going down to Stanislas Wawrinka in Australia. After a disappointing defeat in Dubai, the Serb finally found his feet on the North American hard courts. The Indian Wells-Miami double made Djokovic only the second person to accomplish this feat twice.

Having won the last four Masters events, Djokovic looks in top form heading into the clay leg. Despite that, however, Monte Carlo is going to present a whole new challenge.

The defending champion has had a difficult time getting past Rafael Nadal on clay. Last year’s win at Monte Carlo renewed hope in his fans that he could finally break the Parisian jinx. However, it was not to be.

Djokovic has had to face a heart-breaking defeats to his nemesis at Roland Garros, be it the semifinal last year where he couldn’t capitalize on a break in the final set or the rain interrupted final before that. On both occasions the Serb looked good but there was many a slip between the cup and the lip.

Novak Djokovic will open his title defence against a qualifier or Benoit Paire. He could possibly face 14th seed Kevin Anderson in the third round followed by a quarterfinal against Tomas Berdych. A possible blockbuster semifinal against Roger Federer awaits the Serb if the draw goes according to plan.

Roger Federer’s last minute entry:

Roger Federer has not played in Monte Carlo since 2011. The Swiss maestro has previously preferred to skip the event, opting to start the clay tour with the Madrid Masters. But this year, the 32-year-old accepted the wild card invitation to play at Monte Carlo.

Federer starts his campaign against Radek Stepanek or Ivo Karlovic. With Fabio Fognini, Jerzy Janowicz and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the same quarter, the road to the semifinal would not be easy for the Swiss number 2.

Chance for the second-in-command:

Grigor Dimitrov

2013 has thrown several players into the limelight – from Fabio Fognini’s impressive run on European clay to the rise of Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian has produced his fair share of upsets, knocking out Djokovic in Madrid and stretching Nadal to three sets at the same venue last year, while the Italian has had an impressive run on clay. Fognini’s recent exploits in the Davis Cup, where he demolished Andy Murray in straight sets, show his skills on clay.

One thing is for certain – these players are a major challenge to the top guns of men’s tennis.

The return of David Ferrer from injury and the rise of Stanislas Wawrinka further intensify the competition at the Monte Carlo Country Club.

Stanislas Wawrinka will face either Fernando Verdasco or Marin Cilic in the opening clash, while David Ferrer will face off against the winner of the first round match between Igor Sisling and Jeremy Chardy.

All-in-all, it appears that an action-packed week awaits us in the French Riviera!