It wasn’t a big surprise to see Novak Djokovic lift his 29th masters title in Madrid, even after the hiccup he had in Monte Carlo. He played a solid week and was only really tested thoroughly against Murray in the final where he won a tough contest 6-2 3-6 6-3 after a ten minutes long game where he managed to serve it out after saving seven(!) break points!
Djokovic is still the man to beat by quite a far margin and despite Nadal’s resurgence of late, will be the overwhelming favorite both in Rome Masters and the French Open.
Peeking through the draw in Rome, it doesn’t look easy for either of the top players.
Nadal has a likely first round against BMW Open winner, Kohlschreiber, might play Raonic or Kyrgios after that, and Djokovic in the blockbuster quarter-final!
Federer, who’s back after injury, plays either Zverev or Dimitrov in his first match and if he gets through that he might come across Thiem and Kei Nishikori in the quarter-final.
Murray has the most “comfortable” draw with (maybe) Coric in his first match and Bautista-Agut after that.
Djokovic starts against Bedene or Robert, gets Cuevas or Monfils after that and Rafa in the quarters.
Wawrinka might have a good chance in Rome if he can get through his friend Paire in his first match, but the Swiss hasn’t been playing his best tennis in 2016 and it’s a long shot to see him defending his title in Paris.
Who is your pick to win Rome? Will Djokovic make it nr 30?
