Masters Series Monte-Carlo : 4/21 - 4/27 ; Monte-Carlo, Monaco

[kickserve]

Good start for Andy: I was quite worried today as Lopez is the kinda guy Andy can get in trouble against by playing too negatively, and on clay with Corretja coaching him, that was what I was expecting. However, a good solid win over a dangerous opponent.

Here's a question: for his next match against Volandri, does Andy watch the 1st 6 games of his match with Volandri in Hamburg? On the one hand, he was destroying him, it's a great tape to analyse, but then we all know what happened after that, can he bring himself to watch it?

Yes I remember that match. I really enjoyed it.

I would think it best to watch to familiarise himself with Volandri's style if anything but that's all. Then i would recommend practising the shots likely to be needed against him. I'm hoping that he can beat Djokovic too, but i think that one is a little less likely.

If he does get past Volandri, I would give him a good shot against Nole (OK, I know I'm biased). Djokovic does have more weapons, but Andy tends to hit with more spin, is an excellent returner which should certainly stand him in good stead for clay, and is more comfortable playing the touch shots than Djokovic. Also, the changes Nole has made to his game in the last 12 months have all been centred on improving his attacking game, especially the serve and working in the forecourt, both of which Andy should be capable of nullifying on clay. Neither of these are especially proven quantities on clay: Andy hasn't played on clay while fit since 2006, and although Djokovic reached the RG semis last year, he had a shockingly easy draw, no top-50 players till Rafa, the only top-100 player was Fernando 'headcase' Verdasco. Novak's only good clay-court wins came in Estoril, over Robredo and Gasquet. Having said all that, I'd stil unfortunately have to make Novak a 65-35 favourite 

[kittens25]

Poor Kuerten.  Losing 6-1, 6-2 to a clearly past his prime Ljubicic on his beloved clay.   Thank goodness he is planning to retire after the French Open.   The fans had better show up for the first round though if they want to see him one last time.

[mccriddsta]

Good start for Andy: I was quite worried today as Lopez is the kinda guy Andy can get in trouble against by playing too negatively, and on clay with Corretja coaching him, that was what I was expecting. However, a good solid win over a dangerous opponent.

Here's a question: for his next match against Volandri, does Andy watch the 1st 6 games of his match with Volandri in Hamburg? On the one hand, he was destroying him, it's a great tape to analyse, but then we all know what happened after that, can he bring himself to watch it?

Yes I remember that match. I really enjoyed it.

I would think it best to watch to familiarise himself with Volandri's style if anything but that's all. Then i would recommend practising the shots likely to be needed against him. I'm hoping that he can beat Djokovic too, but i think that one is a little less likely.

If he does get past Volandri, I would give him a good shot against Nole (OK, I know I'm biased). Djokovic does have more weapons, but Andy tends to hit with more spin, is an excellent returner which should certainly stand him in good stead for clay, and is more comfortable playing the touch shots than Djokovic. Also, the changes Nole has made to his game in the last 12 months have all been centred on improving his attacking game, especially the serve and working in the forecourt, both of which Andy should be capable of nullifying on clay. Neither of these are especially proven quantities on clay: Andy hasn't played on clay while fit since 2006, and although Djokovic reached the RG semis last year, he had a shockingly easy draw, no top-50 players till Rafa, the only top-100 player was Fernando 'headcase' Verdasco. Novak's only good clay-court wins came in Estoril, over Robredo and Gasquet. Having said all that, I'd stil unfortunately have to make Novak a 65-35 favourite 

I would like to think that Murray could win too. Djokovic hasn't been overly impressive of late. Despite wining Indian Wells, he decided to top it off by losing to Anderson (Q). And also Murray has been getting clay court help so I woul dthink he has what it takes to get to the latter stages of the tournament, it's just a shame about the early Djokovic meeting.

[Murrayfan11]

Good start for Andy: I was quite worried today as Lopez is the kinda guy Andy can get in trouble against by playing too negatively, and on clay with Corretja coaching him, that was what I was expecting. However, a good solid win over a dangerous opponent.

Here's a question: for his next match against Volandri, does Andy watch the 1st 6 games of his match with Volandri in Hamburg? On the one hand, he was destroying him, it's a great tape to analyse, but then we all know what happened after that, can he bring himself to watch it?

Yes I remember that match. I really enjoyed it.

I would think it best to watch to familiarise himself with Volandri's style if anything but that's all. Then i would recommend practising the shots likely to be needed against him. I'm hoping that he can beat Djokovic too, but i think that one is a little less likely.

If he does get past Volandri, I would give him a good shot against Nole (OK, I know I'm biased). Djokovic does have more weapons, but Andy tends to hit with more spin, is an excellent returner which should certainly stand him in good stead for clay, and is more comfortable playing the touch shots than Djokovic. Also, the changes Nole has made to his game in the last 12 months have all been centred on improving his attacking game, especially the serve and working in the forecourt, both of which Andy should be capable of nullifying on clay. Neither of these are especially proven quantities on clay: Andy hasn't played on clay while fit since 2006, and although Djokovic reached the RG semis last year, he had a shockingly easy draw, no top-50 players till Rafa, the only top-100 player was Fernando 'headcase' Verdasco. Novak's only good clay-court wins came in Estoril, over Robredo and Gasquet. Having said all that, I'd stil unfortunately have to make Novak a 65-35 favourite 

I would like to think that Murray could win too. Djokovic hasn't been overly impressive of late. Despite wining Indian Wells, he decided to top it off by losing to Anderson (Q). And also Murray has been getting clay court help so I woul dthink he has what it takes to get to the latter stages of the tournament, it's just a shame about the early Djokovic meeting.

I think Djokovic's loss to Anderson was because of his night out with Maria Sharapova the night before partly. I'd also like to think Andy can win, we just have to rely on Maria taking Novak out again.

[mccriddsta]

Good start for Andy: I was quite worried today as Lopez is the kinda guy Andy can get in trouble against by playing too negatively, and on clay with Corretja coaching him, that was what I was expecting. However, a good solid win over a dangerous opponent.

Here's a question: for his next match against Volandri, does Andy watch the 1st 6 games of his match with Volandri in Hamburg? On the one hand, he was destroying him, it's a great tape to analyse, but then we all know what happened after that, can he bring himself to watch it?

Yes I remember that match. I really enjoyed it.

I would think it best to watch to familiarise himself with Volandri's style if anything but that's all. Then i would recommend practising the shots likely to be needed against him. I'm hoping that he can beat Djokovic too, but i think that one is a little less likely.

If he does get past Volandri, I would give him a good shot against Nole (OK, I know I'm biased). Djokovic does have more weapons, but Andy tends to hit with more spin, is an excellent returner which should certainly stand him in good stead for clay, and is more comfortable playing the touch shots than Djokovic. Also, the changes Nole has made to his game in the last 12 months have all been centred on improving his attacking game, especially the serve and working in the forecourt, both of which Andy should be capable of nullifying on clay. Neither of these are especially proven quantities on clay: Andy hasn't played on clay while fit since 2006, and although Djokovic reached the RG semis last year, he had a shockingly easy draw, no top-50 players till Rafa, the only top-100 player was Fernando 'headcase' Verdasco. Novak's only good clay-court wins came in Estoril, over Robredo and Gasquet. Having said all that, I'd stil unfortunately have to make Novak a 65-35 favourite 

I would like to think that Murray could win too. Djokovic hasn't been overly impressive of late. Despite wining Indian Wells, he decided to top it off by losing to Anderson (Q). And also Murray has been getting clay court help so I woul dthink he has what it takes to get to the latter stages of the tournament, it's just a shame about the early Djokovic meeting.

I think Djokovic's loss to Anderson was because of his night out with Maria Sharapova the night before partly. I'd also like to think Andy can win, we just have to rely on Maria taking Novak out again.

Lol. Yes it could happen, i mean she isn't exactly taking part in the Fed cup is she? 

[Victor]

Moya I hate to see that good fella go out this early.

[conchita]

2nd Round:

Federer (1) vs Simon or Ramirez Hidalgo (Q)
Monfils vs Karlovic (11) or Grosjean
Robredo (12) or Wawrinka vs Soderling
O.Rochus (Q) vs Nalbandian (6)
-------------
Djokovic (3) vs Ljubicic
Volandri vs Murray (14)
Querrey vs Calleri or Seppi
Vliegen (Q) vs Gasquet (7)
--------------------------------
Youzhny (8) vs Andreev or Tursunov
Almagro or Lisnard (wc) vs Lee or Monaco (11)
Kohlschreiber (16) vs Kiefer
Chela or Bolelli (Q) vs Davydenko (4)
--------------
Ferrer (5) vs Safin (wc) or Malisse
Lapentti (Q) vs Tipsarevic
Ferrero (13) vs Nieminen or Gicquel (Q)
Ancic (wc) vs Nadal (2)

[Murrayfan11]

2nd Round:

Federer (1) vs Simon or Ramirez Hidalgo (Q)
Monfils vs Karlovic (11) or Grosjean
Robredo (12) or Wawrinka vs Soderling
O.Rochus (Q) vs Nalbandian (6)
-------------
Djokovic (3) vs Ljubicic
Volandri vs Murray (14)
Querrey vs Calleri or Seppi
Vliegen (Q) vs Gasquet (7)
--------------------------------
Youzhny (8) vs Andreev or Tursunov
Almagro or Lisnard (wc) vs Lee or Monaco (11)
Kohlschreiber (16) vs Kiefer
Chela or Bolelli (Q) vs Davydenko (4)
--------------
Ferrer (5) vs Safin (wc) or Malisse
Lapentti (Q) vs Tipsarevic
Ferrero (13) vs Nieminen or Gicquel (Q)
Ancic (wc) vs Nadal (2)

Dang, Guga lost. That really isnt good for my bracket challenge this time round 

[dmastous]

Anybody know what was wrong with Haas? Babbleot should be happy and sad about that match.

Has Tommy Haas ever finished a match?   

Shocked everyone by beating Roddick in Palm Springs.

[conchita]

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008, 1ST ROUND!!!
MONTE-CARLO COUNTRY CLUB

COURT CENTRAL (9,000)
[13] Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) df. Michael Llodra (FRA)  6-7(5), 6-1, 6-1 in 2 hours 1 minute
[14] Andy Murray (GBR) df. Feliciano Lopez (ESP)  7-6(5), 6-4 in 1 hour 32 minutes
upset!!! Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) df. [9] Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA)  6-4, 2-6, 6-3 in 2 hours 18 minutes
Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) df. [WC] Gustavo Kuerten (BRA)  6-1, 6-2 in 51 minutes
Rafael Nadal (ESP) / Tommy Robredo (ESP) df. [WC] Guillame Couillard (MON) / Jean-Rene Lisnard (MON)  6-2, 6-1 in 48 minutes
 
COURT DES PRINCES (3,300)
[Q] Kristof Vliegen (BEL) df. Fabrice Santoro (FRA)  7-6(4), 6-1 in 1 hour 41 minutes
Filippo Volandri (ITA) df. Nicolas Mahut (FRA)  6-2, 6-3 in 1 hour 8 minutes   
[Q] Nicolas Lapentti (ECU) df. Potito Starace (ITA)  7-6(3), 6-7(2), 6-4 in 3 hours 20 minutes
Gael Monfils (FRA) df. Fernando Verdasco (ESP)  7-5, 6-4 in 1 hour 18 minutes

COURT 2 (1,600)
[WC] Mario Ancic (CRO) df. [Q] Ivo Minar (CZE)  6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour 17 minutes
[Q] Olivier Rochus (BEL) df. Tommy Haas (GER)  6-1, 3-0 retired in 49 minutes
big upset!!!Sam Querrey (USA) df. [10] Carlos Moya (ESP)  6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in 1 hour 37 minutes
Novak Djokovic (SRB) / Radek Stepanek (CZE) df. Jordan Kerr (AUS) / Rogier Wassen (NED)  6-4, 6-3 in 1 hour 5 minutes
Paul Hanley (AUS) / Leander Paes (IND) df. David Nalbandian (ARG) / Sebastian Prieto (ARG)  6-4, 6-3 in 1 hour 9 minutes

COURT 9 (600)
Robin Soderling (SWE) df. Radek Stepanek (CZE)  6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3 in 2 hours 19 minutes
[16] Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) df. Jose Acasuso (ARG)  7-6(4), 6-3 in 1 hour 43 minutes

[conchita]

ORDER OF PLAY TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2008, 1ST ROUND!!!
MONTE-CARLO COUNTRY CLUB

COURT CENTRAL (9,000) START 10:00 AM
Juan Ignacio Chela (ARG) vs [Q] Simone Bolelli (ITA)
Sebastien Grosjean (FRA) vs [15] Ivo Karlovic (CRO)
2nd Round, [3] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs Ivan Ljubicic (CRO)
2nd Round, Filippo Volandri (ITA) vs [14] Andy Murray (GBR)
2nd Round, Rafael Nadal (ESP) / Tommy Robredo (ESP) vs [3] Daniel Nestor (CAN) / Nestor Zimonjic (SRB) - To be arranged

COURT DES PRINCES (3,300) START 10:00 AM
Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) vs [Q] Marc Gicquel (FRA)
[WC] Marat Safin (RUS) vs Xavier Malisse (BEL)
Agustin Calleri (ARG) vs Andreas Seppi (ITA)
Nicolas Almagro (ESP) vs [WC] Jean-Rene Lisnard (MON)
Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) / Fabrice Santoro (FRA) vs [WC] Julien Benneteau (FRA) / Nicolas Mahut (FRA)

COURT 2 (1,600) start 10:00 am
Max Mirnyi (BLR) / Jamie Murray (GBR) vs Mariusz Fyrstenberg (POL) / Marcin Matkowski (POL)
[12] Tommy Robredo (ESP) vs Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)
[Q] Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP) vs Gilles Simon (FRA)
Marcelo Melo (BRA) / Andre Sa (BRA) vs Richard Gasquet (FRA) / Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)
Igor Andreev (RUS) / Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) vs Frantisek Cermak (CZE) / Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER)

COURT 9 (600) START 11:00 AM
Igor Andreev (RUS) vs Dmitry Tursunov (RUS)
Hyung-Tail Lee (KOR) vs [11] Juan Monaco (ARG)
Not Before 3:00 PM
Jeff Coetzee (RSA) / Wesley Moodie (RSA) vs Jose Acasuso (ARG) / David Ferrer (ESP)

[BGT]

Gasquet/Tipsy... what an interesting doubles team. One is crazy; the other is too shy to be crazy.

And big props to Sammy taking out Moya. That's a big win for him, and not just on clay.

[Chris1987]

Interesting day in Monte Carlo for sure with some of the results thrown up today. Ferrero showed in the final 2 sets against Lloodra just how better a player he is on this surface compared to the Frenchman. Murray came through a match I expected him to win, which that the potential to be a tricky one, and from comments I've heard from Murray and Corretja afterwards seems patience was the key for him and what they're looking at for his game on clay. Volandri next and he's got a good game for this surface so will be a danger but Murray had him at 6/1 in Hamburg last year before the wrist injury. I was surprised to see Tipsarevic beat Mathieu on this surface. Sad to see Kuerten beaten so badly but to be thrashed like that on this surface vs an average Ljubicic now shows just where he's at and that retirement is the only option. Lapentti vs Starace- what a grind and dramatic battle that one looks like going 3 hours 20 minutes. Ancic to face Rafa then on Wednesday, yet another Haas retirement/withdrawal! while seeing Acasuso and particularly Moya go out in Monte Carlo are 2 real surprises!

[kickserve]

And big props to Sammy taking out Moya. That's a big win for him, and not just on clay.

What you mean is, big shocker for Moya, losing on his favourite surface to possibly the most incompetent clay-courter in the top-100: he's an ace merchant who makes Karlovic look mobile.

[BGT]

And big props to Sammy taking out Moya. That's a big win for him, and not just on clay.

What you mean is, big shocker for Moya, losing on his favourite surface to possibly the most incompetent clay-courter in the top-100: he's an ace merchant who makes Karlovic look mobile.

That's mean. Looking at the stats, Sam only hit 4 aces and had just 49% 1st serves in, so obviously, he was less reliant on his serve than expected. Did anyone see this match?

[Alex]

TSN is showing the Murray vs. Lopez match. I can't see the damn ball although I have a 42" high quallity plasma TV.  This is so frustrating.

[kickserve]

And big props to Sammy taking out Moya. That's a big win for him, and not just on clay.

What you mean is, big shocker for Moya, losing on his favourite surface to possibly the most incompetent clay-courter in the top-100: he's an ace merchant who makes Karlovic look mobile.

That's mean. Looking at the stats, Sam only hit 4 aces and had just 49% 1st serves in, so obviously, he was less reliant on his serve than expected. Did anyone see this match?

Roughly translated: Moya lost to an ace merchant who was unable to produce the aces or even a decent 1st serve %  It's like putting Guillermo Coria's serve onto the rest of John Isner's game, then losing to it 

[tennisfan78]

TSN is showing the Murray vs. Lopez match. I can't see the damn ball although I have a 42" high quallity plasma TV.  This is so frustrating.

Cant see the ball??? That doesnt sound good.

[Alex]

TSN is showing the Murray vs. Lopez match. I can't see the damn ball although I have a 42" high quallity plasma TV.  This is so frustrating.

Cant see the ball??? That doesnt sound good.

They didn't position cameras properly, so it's almost impossible to see the ball on clay.

[tennisfan78]

TSN is showing the Murray vs. Lopez match. I can't see the damn ball although I have a 42" high quallity plasma TV.  This is so frustrating.

Cant see the ball??? That doesnt sound good.

They didn't position cameras properly, so it's almost impossible to see the ball on clay.

I know what you are saying. For some tournaments, its absolutely ridiculous the way the cameras are positioned. Its not fun watching that way at all.