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4/11/10 9:41 PM | Ricky Dimon
Novak Djokovic will be hoping to end a two-match losing streak when he opens his 2010 clay-court campaign in Monte-Carlo. Seeded first in the absence of Roger Federer, Djokovic is in a quarter of the draw that includes Mikhail Youzhny.
Novak Djokovic headlines this week's field at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, leading the way as the No. 1 seed ahead of Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Marin Cilic. With Top 10 players like Roger Federer, Juan Martin Del Potro, Nikolay Davydenko, and Robin Soderling out of action, no quarter of the Monte-Carlo draw is particularly difficult.
The second highest-ranked competitor in Djokovic's section is Mikhail Youzhny, who has regained impressive form over the last 12 months but is more comfortable on hard courts than clay. On a potential collision course with Youzhny for the quarterfinals, Djokovic will not be looking that far ahead having lost his two previous matches (to Ivan Ljubicic in the Indian Wells fourth round and to Olivier Rochus in his Miami opener).
Following a first-round bye in Monte-Carlo, the second-ranked Serb will begin what he hopes will be a return trip to the final against either Florent Serra or Stephane Robert. Potential third-round opponents include Ernests Gulbis and No. 13 seed Stanislas Wawrinka. Interestingly, Wawrinka and Victor Hanescu will square off in the first round having just faced each other in the final of the Grand Prix Hassan II on Sunday.
In the other half of the bracket, Youzhny could be tested by David Nalbandian, Viktor Troicki, and 12th-seeded Tommy Robredo. Like Wawrinka, Robredo faces a tough first-round battle with Houston semifinalist and clay-court specialist Horacio Zeballos. Youzhny's debut in the second round could be a brutal clash with Nalbandian, who first meets Andreas Beck.
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Ok...here we go....
Last year I was on finale in Monte Carlo. What a beautiful extended weekend.
This year unfortunately I'll miss it.
I really expect that Nole will take this tournament. He was chasing Rafa through hole clay season last year, when Rafa was in perfect form.
...this year...ok we shall see :-)
AJDE NOLEEEEEEEEEE!!!
zare , 4/12/10 1:25 AM
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Say what you will, but that (Novak's) draw is not a piece of cake. Serra can be dangerous, Wawrinka (Gulbis) is traditionally a very difficult opponent and Nalby is in decent form. However, it doesn't really matter who you play against if you have your mind set on winning the tournament. It'll be interesting to see how things progress in MC.
danica , 4/11/10 11:20 PM