Earlier on Sunday, the Rolex Masters kicked off in Monte-Carlo. The first clay court setting for an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event of the year and the world number one, Rafael Nadal, will be fiercely on the hunt for a record 9th Monte-Carlo title after an incredible 8-straight victories from 2005 to 2012 but falling to Novak Djokovic in 2013.
Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, is undoubtedly looking to continue his current dream run of a potential 5th straight ATP World Tour Masters 1000, after finishing off his 2013 season with title victories in Shanghai and Paris and of course his impressive back-to-back victories last month at Indian Wells and Miami.
As the Tour now heads to European shores, the scent of a world number one ranking reclaim by Nadal grows stronger for the Serb. The clay court territory could be just the trick Djokovic needs, making for a home-court advantage feel on the trademark European surface. Also adding to the optimism of a Djokovic victory, “My family comes in big numbers during this week so it makes me feel very comfortable, and at home.” Novak, who lives part of he year in Monaco, told reporters. “Winning this title last year in the final against Nadal was definitely one of the highlights of my career. I really love playing in this tournament”
However, with some odds strongly in favor of Djokovic, it must be remembered that Nadal is the greatest clay court player of all time in the open-era and is not going to let up so easily on his native stomping ground. Scottish champion, Andy Murray will be a miss at the tournament this year, a tough loss given the reigning Wimbledon champ is down to his lowest ranking since 2008 being number 8.
Roger Federer will be contending for a 22nd ATP World Tour Masters 1000. Federer’s confirmation of attendance is his first since 2011 and it is worth noting that the Swiss Maestro is yet to have won the tournament in his career.
With the exception of Robin Soderling in 2010 and David Ferrer in 2012, 34 of the past 36 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments has been won by one of the “Big Four” being Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray.
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