ATP Toronto Preview

The likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will return to action this week as the men flock to Toronto for the Master's event. The top 8 seeds all have byes into the 2nd round however there are still some interesting 1st round match-ups to look out for. David Nalbandian, the Washington champion will open against number 10 seed, David Ferrer. Based on his current form you would expect Nalbandian to come through this one. Another seed in Mikhail Youzhny will have a tricky opener against Giles Simon who has shown signs of improvement following a year of injury struggles. Other 1st round clashes to watch out for include returning from injury, Fernando Gonzalez against Gael Monfils, a battle between hot prospects Ernests Gulbis and Thomasz Bellucci and finally a clash between two players who have great potential but often fail to deliever in Janko Tipsarevic and Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Rafa Nadal is likely to open up with a tricky encounter with Stan Wawrinka. Nadal is scheduled to meet Roddick in the QF, however i'm anticipating Marin Cilic to reach the QF with Roddick struggling for form. Nadal will also team up with world number 2, Novak Djokovic in the Doubles. Roger Federer will open up against Juan Ignacio Chela in what will be an extremely important tournament for Federer after two disappointing GS performances. Federer's projected QF opponent will be Tomas Berdych who once again could thwart Federer. Djokovic will open up against Julien Benneteau and after showing signs of improving form at Wimbledon, i'm predicting that Djokovic will have a good tournament here with Davydenko his likely QF opponent. I'm also expecting Davydenko to show a return to his best following a lengthy spell on the sidelines and disappointing early losses on the clay. Andy Murray could have a tricky opener against Xavier Malisse and although i believe he will be a contender at the US Open, i think he will not progress past the QF here with Robin Soderling and David Nalbandian lurking in his section.

My tip for the title is Nadal followed closely by Djokovic however i feel the likes of Soderling, Berdych, Nalbandian and Davydenko will all be threats this week. Last week saw many shocks in Washington so this week could see a repeat with some surprise finalists...