[masterclass]

Almost everyone but his diehard fans seem to be losing some respect for Rafael Nadal lately, including the players.

Other than his BA title win over good friend Juan Monaco, Nadal has sort of been the tour's punching bag since last Roland Garros (doubtlessly due to unfortunate mishaps and recovery process, or perhaps ongoing damage of some sort), and has steadily dropped points and is under some threat to drop further in ranking.

However, he's back on the clay, "the wellspring from which he flows". Is this the moment the proud Clay Warrior will reverse the trend and come out on top? If not, which player do you think will knock out the all time record 8 time champion this time?

Place your bets...

Nadal follows through on his forehand cyclone of death - Monte Carlo 2008

Respectfully,
masterclass

 

[philosophicalarf]

Same as last year: Ferrer in the QFs.

 

[sexybeast]

Could see someone like Klizan surprise.

 

[Master Yoda]

Djokovic to close the H2H gap, soon one day Djokovic wil have a positive H2H against 2 best tennis players of all time which automatically makes him....?

 

[Waz]

Federer in the final after Overratovic and Nadal kill each other in the SF.

 

[IrelandisMine]

The 1st player who doesn't bend over :shrug:

 

[Fogmeister]

Hopefully the winner of Thiem or Pouille already.

 

[IrelandisMine]

Djokovic to close the H2H gap, soon one day Djokovic wil have a positive H2H against 2 best tennis players of all time which automatically makes him....?

Makes him a person with a better H2H against 2 best players of all time :shrug:. He needs more slams.

 

[Troll Hunter]

I'll believe it when i see it.

 

[MTwEeZi]

Federer in the final after Overratovic and Nadal kill each other in the SF.

So another 09 Madrid? Have you no shame?

 

[The Triumvirate]

He'll crash out to Bye :haha:

 

[Waz]

So another 09 Madrid? Have you no shame?

No. :wavey:

 

[sam.jones]

klizan with a slight chance, but I would go for Ferrer. He is in a reasonable form in contrast to Nadal.

But maybe Nadal will surprise all and win the whole thing, but that would need someone to take out Nole, and with his draw I don't see it happening

 

[Alex999]

probably the King, but I'm not so sure Rafaela will even get to play the King

 

[tektonac]

borna coric - the superstar.

 

[doubletrollt]

Federer in the final after Overratovic and Nadal kill each other in the SF.

It ain't no Madrid'09 or '15, Nadal needs points but he also needs to stay injury free by gradually lifting the form and performance for RG.

Barcelona's 2nd round is just 2-3 days after MC final.

 

[Sombrerero loco]

probably himself

 

[Bruce7]

Djokovic to close the H2H gap, soon one day Djokovic wil have a positive H2H against 2 best tennis players of all time which automatically makes him....?

Not as good as Hrbaty.

 

[JMdelpotro6]

Nadal is vulnerable at the moment. There's a decent chance he could get beaten in the opening rounds by someone like Thiem or Klizan. If he builds momentum I still don't think he's in the frame of mind to beat someone of the caliber of Djokovic. Even Ferrer might be too strong for him.

 

[TheEndIsNear]

Isner needs to practice taking out Nadal on clay so that he can secure his RG title this year. So big John of course.