The years forth masters series gets underway this week in Rome, Italy. Perhaps the best claycourt master series of the 3 offered, in terms of its similar conditions and time frame towards the French Open. The Foro Italico will once again host a fantastic week of tennis in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Players certainly like the event as the food and shopping in Rome are second to none. Rome is also known for its art and history and what two better players to have as the top seeds, than none other best fit than the elegant Swiss number 1 artist Roger Federer, and the chiseled and statuesque world number 2 Rafael Nadal.

As defending champion, Nadal will have to wrestle through a fierce crowd of challengers with all top 20 players entered this year. Rafa will look to meet his chief rival Federer in the finals, although before either of them can even think about that possibility they will each have to take out 4 tough foes in order to make the dream match up happen.

Novak Djokovic will certainly have something to say that as he is eager to crash the 1 and 2 party, but he has not looked that great in the last few tournaments himself. His fitness is once again an issue and clay is clearly not his best surface. His semi-final withdraw to R-Fed in Monte Carlo last month was an indication that he is saving himself for the majors and summer hardcourt season. Look for Novak to progress deep in the draw but not win the title.

On to the draw break down and as I’ve said before, masters series always provide great opening round matches. Roger Federer will be challenged straight out of the blocks as he faces Guillermo Canas in the opening round. Federer also has the potential of playing Paul-Henri Mathieu in the 3rd round and David Ferrer in the quarters. If R-Fed can get through that mess then he has the daunting task of facing either David Nalbandian, Novak Djokovic or Nicolas Almagro in the semi-finals.

As mentioned Novak Djokovic will potentially face Federer in the semi-finals, although he has potential clashes with Juan Monaco, David Nalbandian or Nicolas Almagro on his way to the semi-finals. I believe Novak can make the finals because Federer might be thinking of Hamburg next week as he is the defending champion at that event. Last year in Roma, Federer lost in the second round and does not have any points to defend this week. Therefore an early Federer exit is highly likely.

Rafa’s draw looks not as rough as the Federer and Djokovic half, as he has to contend with non clay court players James Blake and Andy Roddick on his road to the finals. Honestly if fatigue is not the culprit with Nadal this week, I believe his 4th final at the Floro Italico should be a cake walk. It will be interesting to see how Nadal keeps up his fantastic form as of late, and if he enters Hamburg next week. Unfortunately for the Hamburg masters next week, I believe the event will take a hit with its player entries.

As always please check back throughout the week with updates on matches as well as comments. Please check out the link below to the official tournament site. Enjoy!

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