[elessar]

The draw just came out, Roger has a relatively easy first round, after that he should face Verdasco and then he could potentially have to play Nalby in the QF followed by Djoko in the semis

http://www.atptennis.com/en/common/T...08/410/mds.pdf

[BlueSwan]

Federer shouldn't have trouble with Simon. In round 3 (first round is a bye) he could face Karlovic, Grosjean, Verdasco or Monfils. All good players, but also all players that Roger HAS to beat.

The quarterfinal against Nalbandian looks tough, but Nalbandian could potentially lose to Robredo or Haas - two players that Roger ought to beat.

Semifinal against Djokovic will also be tough, but he could also go out to the likes of Murray or Moya. Not likely though. Generally, I still like Rogers chances against Djokovic on clay, IF he is fit and confident. And that's the big question, really.

Nadal will win the title anyway, but I'd be very happy with a final appearance from Roger. Even a semifinal will be OK. Anything less will be disappointing.

Should be an exciting tournament!

[juninhOH]

I think Fed will win this tourney.

[elessar]

I've learned not to expect anything other than a Nadal victory on clay

[Benny_Maths]

Did uncle Toni work his magic again?

[Or Levy]

Not a great draw, but the first few rounds aren't difficult and that's more important. If Roger want the French and wants to get back to his winning ways, he needs to remind Nalby and Djoko (or Murray, whoever comes) who is boss.

I'll worry about the final when we get there.

[buzz]

@Bennymaths, well Super Mario is a difficult 2nd round opponent, Ok maybe not for Nadal. Ferrer is relative hard for quarters too.

[buzz]

Originally Posted by Or Levy

Not a great draw, but the first few rounds aren't difficult and that's more important. If Roger want the French and wants to get back to his winning ways, he needs to remind Nalby and Djoko (or Murray, whoever comes) who is boss.

I'll worry about the final when we get there.

Good attitude! He is still Federer the draw doesn't make him lose (before the final), it's mostly his form.

[Sunset of Age]

I think it's a relatively fair draw for both Raf and Roger.

Nalbandian a problem? Don't see it. He hasn't matched his Madrid-level for months and I don't see him do it now.

Roger should be able to make the semis here - and hopefully knock the S**T out of Djoko, but I'm not counting on that to happen. Keeping my fingers crossed of course.

Raf is a lock-in for the final, unless something really unexpected happens - Almagro, perhaps? Have to laugh at people thinking Ancic can pose any threat to him... :cough:

[buzz]

Originally Posted by Buffoonette

I think it's a relatively fair draw for both Raf and Roger.

Nalbandian a problem? Don't see it. He hasn't matched his Madrid-level for months and I don't see him do it now.

Roger should be able to make the semis here - and hopefully knock the S**T out of Djoko, but I'm not counting on that to happen. Keeping my fingers crossed of course.

Raf is a lock-in for the final, unless something really unexpected happens - Almagro, perhaps? Have to laugh at people thinking Ancic can pose any threat to him... :cough:

Wow I don't think he can pose a real thread. But he is not easy for a second rounder Ok now I think about it, why did I mention it

[anon57]

From the quarterfinals on, the draw could be tough for Federer but hopefully the matches in Estoril have given him some needed match practice and he'll have a better idea of what he has to work on for the remainder of the clay season.

[Sunset of Age]

Originally Posted by anon57

From the quarterfinals on, the draw could be tough for Federer but hopefully the matches in Estoril have given him some needed match practice and he'll have a better idea of what he has to work on for the remainder of the clay season.

My thoughts exactly. And hopefully he'll have something left in the tank - there are only a few days for him to recover from the Estoril final (yes, I do count on Roger to make that final here!)...
We'll just have to wait and see. Right now I'm quite optimistic, and I've lowered my expectations - he doesn't need to reach the final in MC, as long as he doesn't drop too many points I'll be okay with that.

[rofe]

Claire, I hope you haven't jinxed Fed.

You know I need to start match threads for Roger to win tournaments. I even had a title picked out.

[nobama]

I don't think this draw is much easier for Nadal (well as hard as draws can be for Nadal on clay ). Masters Series events always have tough draws and here no clay court mugs like Blake and Roddick to be seeded.

[SUKTUEN]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

This time Djover is in Roger's side~~~
GO Roger!!