MONTE CARLO MEN’S DRAW ANALYSIS
The clay season is now really upon us and the burning questions prior to this premier event are as obvious as these:
- Will Nadal regain his past flair on clay?
- Will Djokovic be back to being Djokovic the human backboard?
- Has Murray’s elbow fully recovered or will he decide to sit this out at the last minute?
- Where is Roger? Is he really as old as he thinks as he is?
- And why do morons, such as myself, like to be proven wrong by making these predictions?
So, with all that off my chest, here we go!
First Quarter
This quarter is as easy as it can possibly get, at this level, for Murray. Except Coric who Murray could meet in the quarters there really isn’t anyone who Murray should not be able to handle on clay. Robredo does seem to make a splash every now and then and Philipp Kohlschreiber can get hot once in a while but Murray should emerge from this quarter as long as his elbow has fully recovered.
Pick: Murray
Possibilities: Borna Coric and Tomas Berdych
Second Quarter
Wawarinka should emerge on top in this quarter unless either Tsonga or Puille get inspired and take him out in the quarters. However, even Wawarinka is not a sure shot until he gets settled into the event by winning his first match against upset artist Jiri Vesely or Mischa Zverev.
Pick: Wawarinka
Possibilities: Tsonga and Pouille
Third Quarter
Nadal here gets the easiest quarter where he could meet Alexander Zverev in the pre-quarters and the advantage there would go clearly to Nadal. In the quarters Nadal on paper should face Dimitrov but there is a strong possibility that Bautista Agut could come out ahead on the other end.
Pick: Nadal
Possibilities: Alex Zverev and Bautista Agut
Fourth Quarter
This is by far the most loaded quarter of the four. Djokovic could meet Gilles Simon then, “never know what he’ll do,” Fabio Fognini followed by either Goffin or Thiem. However, Djokovic should prevail and get past his quarter to set up an interesting semi final with the bull.
Pick: Djokovic
Possibilities: Thiem and Goffin
Semifinals
Wawarinka beat Murray
Nadal beat Djokovic (or will it be the other way around?)
Finals
Wawarinka beat Nadal