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ATP Monte Carlo: Draw, Preview and Predictions

By Geoff Nichols

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ATP Monte Carlo: Draw, Preview and Predictions

The Monte Carlo Masters is under way in Monaco this week, signalling the beginning of the European clay court swing. The return to the red dirt has rarely been so highly anticipated in recent years and Monte Carlo is the first chance to see the top players in action.

Wawrinka looms as a potential quarter final opponent for Federer

Despite a number of high profile withdrawals from the first clay Masters of the year, the glamorous event still boasts a strong field. Roger Federer makes his return after skipping Miami, whilst Novak Djokovic looks to cement his place at the world number one, having overtaken Rafael Nadal’s record of weeks at the top.

Singles Draw

All eyes were on where third seed Rafael Seed would come out in the draw and this will be a pervading theme throughout the 2015 clay court season. This will especially be true when Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori return, both missing from Monte Carlo, which will see Nadal seeded outside of the top four.

Clearly his quarter will be the one the top four seeds will want to avoid going forward, but in Monte Carlo the situation is diluted somewhat. He finds himself in the same half as Novak Djokovic, with many seeing these two men as the two favourites for the French Open.

The bottom half of the draw is headed up by Roger Federer, who has placed high importance on the clay court season this year. He is joined by Milos Raonic, the fourth seed in Monte Carlo and overall will be happy with his draw for the tournament.

Those looking a bit further ahead will notice that Stan Wawrinka looms as a potential quarter final opponent for Federer, with many hoping that both make it this far. Wawrinka has been gaining momentum this year and will fancy his chances on the clay.

Predictions

Predictions as to how Nadal will fare are a dime a dozen at the moment, but judgement will have to be reserved until the later rounds of the tournament. I think that the Spaniard will make it to the latter rounds of the majority of clay court events he enters.

It is against the likes of Federer and Djokovic where we will see his true level and should he face Djokovic in the semi finals, I think that is where his tournament will come to an end. Ferrer could test him in the quarters, which again will allow us to see where the Spaniard is at.

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I think we are looking at a Djokovic against Federer final in Monte Carlo, with both men beginning their campaigns strongly, having clearly transitioned to the clay with relative ease. Neither men have overly tricky draws in the early rounds, with Djokovic in particular almost on a clear path to at least the semi finals.

Stan Wawrinka would be my pick to capitalise on any slip up from Federer in the bottom half of the draw. He stands out amongst the likes of Thomas Berdych and Milos Raonic, who aren’t the strongest on clay, as the player who can spring an upset and make it to the final.

Final Prediction: Djokovic beats Federer 

Next: Will Stan Wawrinka be a one slam wonder?

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