On April 12, 2015, eight of the world’s top ten players will convene in the picturesque town of Monte-Carlo to compete at the season’s first Masters 1000 event contested on clay. Last year’s Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters finalist and number two player in the world, Roger Federer will be in attendance along with world number one, Novak Djokovic and eight-time champion, Rafa Nadal.
Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters champion and world number nine will attempt to defend his title amongst the game’s elite. The Swiss maestro, having made four finals, has yet to win this prestigious clay court event though he came within two points of victory last year against his countryman, Stan Wawrinka.
In 2006, Roger was once again two points from victory against the king of clay, Rafael Nadal, losing 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 7-6. Up until 2007 this Masters 1000 event was played best of five sets. Roger Federer, having chosen to skip the Miami Open last week is undeniably well prepared and primed to add this elusive title to his stellar resume.
Rafa Nadal, currently ranked 5th on the ATP Tour is no doubt relieved not to see Andy Murray or Kei Nishikori at the Monte Carlo Country Club for had they chosen to compete, Rafa might well have been seeded two spots lower. Though he holds the Open era record of eight consecutive titles (2005-2012), 2015 has been anything but outstanding for the habitually injured Spaniard.
Rafa’s lone title this season in Argentina, on clay is hardly cause for celebration. He did not have to face a top twenty let alone top five player, on the road to the final, where he defeated hometown favorite, and 46th ranked Juan Monaco. Nadal enters this Masters 1000 event at his lowest seeding since 2005, with a 15-5 match record this season to date.
Although Novak Djokovic became the first player in ATP history to complete the Indian Wells – Miami double for the third time, his performance was inconsistent and he often appeared flat and physically exhausted. Andy Murray, up a break multiple times in the first set invariably took his foot off the gas and forked over the match.
If Murray had maintained his focus, nerve and aggressive style of play, I am convinced he would have defeated Novak in straights for his third Miami Open title. Djokovic, the 2013 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters champion (dft. Rafa) enters this premier event far from physically fresh or supremely confident.
The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters is the only Masters 1000 event on the ATP tour that does not require a mandatory commitment from the top players. Despite the absence of obligation, the tournament consistently showcases the game’s elite and this year is no exception.
Tomas Berdych, David Ferrer and Milos Raonic have consistently played well during the first quarter of the 2015 season. Ferrer, with a win-loss record of 22-3 with three titles on two different surfaces, is always a threat on clay. He reached the Monte-Carlo Masters final in 2011, losing to Nadal in two tight sets. Though Berdych and Raonic are not necessarily known for the clay court prowess, both are in excellent form and physical condition.
The road to Roland Garros, paved with terre battue, begins in earnest in Monte Carlo. The journey is long, immensely challenging and arduous and one I’m eagerly waiting to watch.
