It seems as though 2008 has not been generous to the top seeded players in smaller tournaments. Rotterdam, San Jose, and Argentina saw there fair share of upsets. Rotterdam, the biggest and most loaded tournament in terms of points, money and top players, saw the likes of Nadal, Ferrer and Davydenko, all disappear before the 2nd round was finished. It’s interesting that the wear and tear of the tour is becoming more and more evident. The top players are either getting injured or sick. Credit goes to Roger Federer (SUI) for taking a 6 week hiatus and regrouping both mentally and physically from a disappointing Aussie Open. Michael Llodra (FRA) and Robin Soderling (SWE) were more than willing to capitalize on the departure of the top guys. Both are good quality players - especially on faster surfaces. Llorda, played a great match to edge Soderling and collect his 2nd singles title of the year to go along with Adelaide which he captured in January. I bet no one would have guessed that going in March, the leader for tournament wins this year would be Michael Llorda!

San Jose, California, provided another disappointing week for James Blake (USA). I wonder if Blake’s feast or famine playing style is becoming too obvious for the other players. His form that took him to as high as number 4 in world in 2006 seems to have disappeared. His defeats to Robby Ginepri (USA) and Kei Nishikori (JPN) in consecutive weeks are a sign that this American’s career maybe on a downward spiral. All courter Radek Stepenak (CZE) put in a solid performance all week to reach the final. Not the prettiest game on tour, Radek is crafty and super fit. He put up a good fight in the finals against Andy Roddick (USA), with Roddick’s serve being the deciding factor in the end. Props go out to Roddick for winning a tournament that he should, and receiving points that he desperately needs. Hopefully, for him, his winning ways will continue in Memphis.

Finally, we look at Buenos Aires, Argentina. Countrymen, David Nalbandian (ARG) and Jose Acasuso (ARG) battled out the final, on home soil, in front of a great crowd. Nice to see 2 players make the finals in there home country. I was surprised to see Acasuso make it to the finals, as he brushed aside a tired 3rd seeded Carlos Moya (ESP) and 8th seeded Filliopo Volandri (ITA) along the way. Jose, is a very gifted player, but motivation and confidence have always been an issue for him. I had predicted another Argentine, Juan Monaco to go deep in this tournament, but it appeared that an injury that he sustained in Chile earlier this year was still lingering. Nalbandian, honored his top seeding by collecting his 8th career title. A seemingly low number for such a talented player. David, will be looking to continue his form in Mexico next week and pick up his 9th career title.

Technorati Tags: Andy Roddick, Carlos Moya, David Ferrer, David Nalbandian, Davydenko, Filliopo Volandri, James Blake, Jose Acasuso, Juan Monaco, Kei Nishikori, Michael Llodra, Nikolay, Radek Stepenak, Rafael Nadal, Ribby Ginepri, Robin Soderling, Roger Federer

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