The 2012 ATP Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters is on the go.
This tournament has all the elements to be one of the most interesting of 2012. First, everybody wonder if Rafa can win it for the 8th straight year (many players for much less would have changed their residence to Monte-Carlo…). Second, it is interesting to see if Novak is strong enough to challenge an inspired Nadal on clay also in 2012. Third… well.. all the other players.
Yesterday it was about the ‘others’ and there were some interesting matches.
Two of the most entertaining guys on the toor because of their unconventional tennis, Dolgolopov and Tomic had two easy matches both won in 1 hour. The ‘mad’ Ukranian trashed Chela 6-2 6-2 while the Aussie had a 6-4 6-3 victory over Istomin.
Verdasco, not in super top form, had a 2 hours match with Oliver Rochus. Fernando managed to win it in 3 sets 4-6 6-2 7-5. At least Rochus had the honour to win the hot shot of the day (video above)
The most important result was Raonic’s defeat against Montanes. Raonic is not a clay court specialist while Montanes… well.. he is Spanish…they live, eat and sleep on clay courts! Milos could not really make it. His 1st serve was not biting as usual and Montanes supremacy during rallies was quite obvious. The Spaniard won it 6-2 3-6 6-3.
Other results
Benneteau – Granollers 6-3 3-6 6-2
Melzer – Kubot 6-2 7-5
Mathieu – Young 6-0 6-1
Kohlschreiber – Rufin 6-4 6-4
Nieminem – Stepanek 6-3 7-6 (3)
Next day there are 2 interesting matches
Murray – Troicki
Wawrinka – Feliciano Lopez
