The years third masters series kicks off this week in the lavish Monte Carlo. Known for its legendary Casino, luxury hotels, elegant nightclubs and restaurants, views of the sparkling Mediterranean are a regularity. Voted as the players favorite masters series tournament of 2007, the Monte Carlo masters always brings forth a great week of tennis action. This year promises to be no different with 3-time defending champion Rafeal Nadal set to start his 2008 claycourt campaign with a win, on his road to defending his Roland Garros title later in May. The Monte Carlo tournament is one of two venues in the world where the general public can not play as it is a private club year round. The other being the Wimbledon championships held at the All England club. A Truly beautiful setting for fans and participating players to enjoy as this unique venue is built into the side of a mountain over looking the Mediterranean.

This years edition of the tournament will see the top 3 players in the world battling against each other to obtain early bragging rights as to who is this years best claycourt player. As mentioned Rafa Nadal is the current undisputed king of clay as he as won 90 of his last 91 claycourt matches! He will look to continue his dominance as this years claycourt season is tougher than usual, with the calender being condensed and forcing players to play 3 clay court masters in a 4 week span. Rafa will be looking to roll through Monte Carlo as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Possible treats to his Monte Carlo thrown are usual suspects Roger Federer and 3rd seeded Novak Djokovic. R-Fed will be coming into Monaco this year with a slightly different outlook, as well as some claycourt wins under his belt. Roger had a good week in Estoril last week and it seems that his new partnership his coach Jose Higueras is working out well. Defeating Nadal in the finals Monaco will a tough proposition for Federer but considering his recent form and a recent coaching acquisition, this is as good a year as any for the Swiss number one to take home the title.

Well rested Novak Djokovic comes into Monte Carlo full of energy and hungry to prove that his game on clay is just as good as it is on hardcourts. Last years French Open semi-finalist has decided to take a different less hectic clay court schedule this year, hoping that quality rather than quantity will raise his game on clay. Djokovic should have a good clay court season, as he really has not played any matches for over 3 weeks. As well being only 20 years old will only help with the miles that he will put in his legs during the claycourt season.

Other notable players that should be considered for possible title winners at this years Monte Carlo Masters are: Nicolas Almagro, Juan Monaco, and David Ferrer. All three players have the determination and ability to win claycourt matches. However all three need to prove just as the top 3 players in the world have proved over the years, that they can win on the big stage. I beleive Almagro will have the best chance of progressing deep into the draw as Almagro has more fire power than Ferrer and has much more mental focus than Juan Monaco.

On to the draw and as always a masters series field never disappoints and often times carry a stronger field than a grand slam, in quality of early matches. As I’ve mentioned in last weeks tournament post, Americans usually duck out of Monte Carlo because it is too early in the claycourt season and they do not want to be in Europe that early. This year is no different with 6th ranked Andy Roddick and 8th ranked James Blake not making the trip to Monaco. Tomas Berdych the 9th ranked player in the world has also decided to skip the tournament, as he is back in the Czech Republic figuring out why he does not have the heart required to win big tournaments.

Roger Federer has a relatively easy passage through to the quarters-finals, where he could face his long time rival David Nalbandian who he shares an 8-8 win/loss record with. If R-fed can get through Nalbandian he will likely have Novak Djokovic waiting for him in the semi-finals. Djokovic has a pretty easy draw and should progress at least to the semi-finals. Rafa Nadal could see a few of his Spanish buddies on his way through the tournament as Juan Carlos Ferrero and David Ferrer are in his quarter. Nadal should have an easy week progressing to the finals.

Kudos goes out to the lone American in the tournament Sam Querrey. A valient effort by Querrey to make the trip to Europe early this year, to at least give himself a shot at improving on the clay. Maybe Sam can phone Andy, James and Mardy and ask them how gas prices are back in the States. Querrey does not have a favourable draw however, as he faces Spanish veteran and the tournament 10th seed Carlos Moya in round one.

Please check back for daily comments and scores from the event. Please check out the tournament link provided below, that will provide you with schedules of play and live scoring. Enjoy.

Monte Carlo Masters: http://montecarlo.masters-series.com/1/en/home/

Technorati Tags: Andy Roddick, Carlos Moya, David Ferrer, David Nalbandian, James Blake, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Juan Monaco, Mardy Fish, Monte Carlo, Nicolas Almagro, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sam Querrey, Tomas Berdych

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