Monte Carlo Masters: Nadal the favourite in Djokovic’s absence

The Monte Carlo Masters marks the official start of the clay court season and with the in-form Novak Djokovic absent through injury it is difficult to look beyond the World No.1 Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard, who has a record of 34-1 at this event, is the clear favourite with Stan James at 1/4. Nadal breezed to victory here last year without dropping a single set and will be determined to kick-start his season with a commanding performance on his preferred surface.

Both Djokovic and Robin Soderling will miss the third masters of the year due to knee injuries. Djokovic has been the star performer on the men’s tour this year and has already collected a stunning five titles; Hopman Cup, Australian Open, Dubai Open, Indian Wells Open and the Sony Ericsson Open, and in the process he has taken his unbeaten streak to an incredible 26 matches. Soderling has reached the final of the French Open for the past two years and will be dissapointed to miss this Masters event.

The draw has paired Nadal with the likes of Tomas Berdych, Andy Murray and Richard Monfils. Murray is currently going through a dismal run, failing to win a single set since the semi-finals of the Australian Open back in January. However, the Scot will be  is currently working with the Adidas coaches Darren Cahill and Sven Groeneveld until he finds a permanent coach and this may just give him a new lease of life. Murray is available with Stan James at 33/1.

On the other side of the draw is Roger Federer, who similarly to Nadal has had a subdued start to 2011, although this is predominantly due to the excellence of Djokovic. Although clay is Federer’s least favourite surface he is always a threat and is worth a punt at 11/2. The clay court specialist and on-form David Ferrer is available at a very tempting 16/1 whilst Nicolas Almagro looks good at 22/1 and last year’s runners-up Fernando Verdasco is at odds of 40/1.

Monte Carlo Masters Odds with Stan James

• 1/4 – Rafael Nadal
• 11/2 – Roger Federer
• 16/1 – David Ferrer
• 22/1 – Nicolas Almajro
• 33/1 – Andy Murray
• 40/1 – Fernando Verdasco
• 50/1 – Tomas Berdych
• 50/1 – Gael Monfils50/1 – Marin Cilic
• 50/1 – Viktor Troicki