This weeks review saw the tour start off its claycourt season with the favorites taking center stage. All three events this week had the tournament favorites prevailing in their respective tournaments. Even though the opening week of the claycourt season does not provide relatively strong draws, for those players willing to play this week, vital ranking points can be earned, as well as valuable confidence on the clay.

Our 1st stop in this weeks review takes us to Estoril, Portugal, where top seed Roger Federer, got what he needed, and tournament title and some much needed confidence. Roger played well throughout the week as he did have trouble disposing of his opponents, en route to his 1st title of 2008. Believe it or not it was also his 1st final. Great veteran move on Federer’s behalf to enter Estoril as he is now in full swing in terms of his claycourt game and will look to continue his success in Monte Carlo next week. He will surely keep his coaching partnership with Jose Higeruas alive, as the Spaniard will prove to be an invaluable asset in Roger’s quest for a French Open crown.

The second stop in this weeks review, relives the Valencia, Spain tournament and the continued success of Spanish bull dog Nicolas Almagro. Although the Spaniard did lose the final to compatriot David Ferrer, Almagro is now 18-2 on clay this year. Nicolas has to be taken very serious as one of the top contenders for this years French Open title. At this point in the season he has to be right up there with Rafa Nadal as one of the best claycourters in the world.

Great win for Ferrer, as heart and determination once again propelled the stappy Spaniard into to his 1st title of 2008. Ferrer will look to keep his momentum going as he has a tough schedule coming up, that sees him playing 4 weeks in a row.

The last stop on this weeks review, takes to tour to Houston, Texas, and emergence of a new American hopeful. I love stories like this week, where a young 15 year old kid comes out of nowhere and makes an impact on tour. Ryan Harrison not only qualified for the Houston tournament but won his 1st match and had the pleasure of facing top seeded James Blake in the second round. Great effort for the youngster and we will surely be hearing more from the Louisiana native in the future.

The 2008 edition of the event also saw a surprise winner in Marcel Granollers-Pujol. The unseeded Spaniard beat top seed James Blake in the final 6-4, 1-6, 7-5. Again another bad loss for Blake as he is still win less in 2008 and once again loses to an unseeded player in a final. The other being earlier this year in Delray Beach to Kei Nishikori. However great effort by James to make his 1st claycourt final. Too bad for him though as this is as good a chance as any that he will ever come to winning a tournament on the foreign dirt.

Technorati Tags: David Ferrer, James Blake, Jose Higeruas, Kei Nishikori, Marcel Granollers-Pujol, Nicolas Almagro, Roger Federer, Ryan Harrison

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