Rome Masters Men’s Players

Rafael Nadal

In all probability the 2008 Rome Masters will again be snapped up by the world number two, and arguably the finest clay court player of current times, Rafael Nadal. Nadal has won at Foro Italico in the past three successive years, and all indications are that he will subdue all-comers for the 2008 title.

Winner of three consecutive French Open crowns, Nadal has never lost a match during his Roland Garros Grand Slam campaign, netting 21 straight victories on the red clay courts of Paris. He too boasts the longest winning streak on any surface, having bagged 81 wins on clay.

Nadal’s playing style is perfectly suited to clay:

He boasts a strong two-handed backhand
He uses well-angled topspin strokes with impunity
He is known for his high fitness levels and his speedy on-court mobility
He is an aggressive counter-puncher who prefers to play from the deep court

Of his 23 singles wins, 18 were contested on clay and his overall clay win/loss record stands at an enviable 133-13.

Roger Federer

It would imprudent to overlook the genius of Roger Federer. Although he is more suited to grass, the world number one has twice been runner-up at the Rome Masters, and although the only Grand Slam title to have eluded him happens to be on the clay courts at the French Open, this Rome Masters men’s player is such a versatile player that he can win any competition on any given day.

At the time of compiling this profile, Federer had held the top berth for an astonishing 199 consecutive weeks, and was fresh from his latest Tennis Masters Cup victory in Shanghai where he demolished the top seven in men’s tennis. In his celebrated career he has won 12 Grand Slam singles titles, four Tennis Masters Cups and 14 ATP Masters Series titles, but of his 53 singles wins only six have been on clay.

Although the odds are against him on clay, he is an adept volleyer and an outstanding baseliner, so it’s even money on the great Federer at the 2008 Rome Masters for you!

Fernando Gonzalez

Runner-up at the 2007 Rome Masters, Fernando Gonzalez, has the potential to win the event again in the future. Although he is still to claim the highest honours in pro tennis, the Grand Slams, he has taken on and defeated some of the finest tennis players in his relatively short career.

Gustavo Kuerten, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Marat Safin are just some of the top players who have fallen to the power of the young Chilean.

His game is well suited to clay as he is an offensive baseliner who exhibits powerful ground strokes with speed and agility. He enjoys approaching the net by chipping and charging and has a wide array of passing shots. Of his eight singles wins, five have been contested on clay.

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