The ATP 1000 Masters event in Madrid has begun and Roger Federer has received the toughest first round match of the big 3. He faces either David Nalbandian or Milos Raonic in the first round. Milos Raonic is coming off a strong showing in Barcelona where he lost 7-6 7-6 to David Ferrer, a match that could have gone either way. Raonic lost to Federer in Indian Wells earlier this year in a highly-entertaining three-setter that showcased Raonic’s talent for big serving and a bit of his inexperience. Federer went on to win the tournament however. David Nalbandian is a dangerous ball-striker who has had success against Federer in the past and is a more natural clay-courter than Raonic. The real question is how will the players respond to the new, blue-colored clay that Madrid has implemented.
We haven’t seen Roger since Miami in March, I believe everyone here at 10sballs.com and the world is anxiously awaiting the return of the king. If speculations are correct, Roger Federer will step onto the blue clay attired in a very intimidating and stylish black Nike outfit, continuing Nike’s “Anthracite” line for the Spring/Summer line. 10sballs.com and I wish you best of luck Rog in your attempts to once again write history at Madrid. Do the images of Federer in his white-striped red Nike polo historically defeating and ending Nadal’s clay win streak come to mind??