Monte Carlo Masters

The top seeds namely Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, David Ferrer, Monfils posted easy wins in their 2^nd round matches and gave no room for any surprises as we head into the 3^rd round which sets up exciting clashes among the top professionals of the game.

The tournament kicked off with a bad news that onslaught striking form Novak Djokovic pulled off from the Monte Carlo Masters due to a knee injury. The clay court seems to be a tough patch for some young guns to cause upsets which they have achieved so far in other ATP Masters like Miami, Dubai. The top seed Nadal had an easy go with Nieminen but still won a convincing victory 6-2, 6-2. Andy Murray is yet to clinch an ATP Masters title this year and with a 6-1, 6-4 victory against Stepanek he looks more confident. David Ferrer thrashed Lopez 6-2, 6-0. Martin Clilic was through to the 3^rd round without playing as Spaniard Riba gave a walk-over suffering from his right knee. Monfils had a great day as he swept through with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Traver and also grabbed his doubles victory with Tsonga as his partner. However,Verdasco will be gutted with some horrendous performances this year as he lost to T Robredo from Spain in straight sets 4-6, 3-6. But the standout match of the day was between Gonzalez and Almagro. The Argentinian Gonzalez won the first set with a tie-breaker but Almagro fought back hard breaking Gonzalez serve to clinch the second set 7-5. It was a thrilling finish in the 3^rd set as the Almagro clichéd the tie-breaker this time around.

The draw for 3^rd round looks exciting as top guns clash amongst them. One that promises to remain as suspense is the match between Roger Federer and Matin Cilic. The top seed Rafael Nadal now faces 13^th seed Gasquet in the 3^rd round. Monfils is comfortably placed to play against 66^th ranked Frederico Gill. Andy Murray is set to face 16^th seed Simon Gilles. Budding Raonic now faces an uphill task to overcome David Ferrer in the next round. It is an exciting draw here and champions will once again be tested in one of the difficult playing courts as French Open keeps them calling this May.

Tags: Andy Murray, ATP Masters, David Ferrer, Gael Monfils, Monte Carlo Masters, Rafael Nadal, Tennis