The Monte Carlo Rolex Masters tournament is upon us. It’s the first major tournament since Miami at the end of March and it also makrs the beginnings of clay season. Rafa’s known as the “King of Clay” and he’s one this specific tournament seven years in a row. He pulled out out of the Miami semis against Andy Murray due to knee tendonitis issues but apparently he’s back on track health wise. I’m really excited to see how he will do on his favorite and best surface and I’m really looking forward to watching it (on some illegal stream somewhere because I don’t get the tennis channel.)

Rafa hasn’t won a tournament since Roland Garros last June so I really hope he can win something, ANYTHING at this point. He’s going to have a lot of competition as all of the top players are attending except for John Isner and Roger Federer. He said he’s taking some time off after playing for the US at the Davis Cup. I think Isner is really going to do well this clay season. He plays well on the surface and with his mega serve, he’s going to be a serious threat to the top players. I wouldn’t be surprised if he surpasses Mardy Fish soon as the top American player in the ATP. Looking forward to what he does. Federer isn’t playing and I’m not sure why. I think he’s just taking some time off before he plays the Madrid Masters which follows Monte Carlo. He recently won Indian Wells and did will in Miami so there’s no reason to doubt or underestimate what he can do.

This is an exciting time for tennis because following Monte Carlo, there is Rome, Madrid and the second grand slam of the year, the French Open. There’s a couple of grass tournaments in between and then it’s Wimbledon and the Olympics and I can’t wait. Vamos Rafa!