I think he can. It's only a Masters 1000 for Nadal, so he could save energy for RG, and looking at Djokovic form this year in his non-Grand-Slam and his Grand-Slam, I'd say he probably doesn't want to play peak at Clay Masters. Federer wants a great comeback, so I think he can, although I'd say Zverev is the favourite.
I'd power rank them this way:
1. Zverev
2. Federer
3. Djokovic
4. Nadal
5. Thiem
If Nadal skips Madrid or loses early which I think is likely, Federer has about.. 21% chance.
I knowUndoubtedly, percentages coming straight out of Uranus.
iirc, he mentioned during the 2017 clay season that he was still practicing on hard courts, and not even on clay. That lead to a lot of speculation that he'd pull out of the French before he even announced it. So it's possible he never even stepped on the dirt that year, but I'm not sure.When's the last time Fed stepped onto a clay court? Do you think he had a single practice session during the past two years?
If they bring back blue clay, he'll be a shoo-in!
When's the last time Fed stepped onto a clay court? Do you think he had a single practice session during the past two years?
iirc, he mentioned during the 2017 clay season that he was still practicing on hard courts, and not even on clay. That lead to a lot of speculation that he'd pull out of the French before he even announced it. So it's possible he never even stepped on the dirt that year, but I'm not sure.
Come on nowHim winning Madrid at this point would be about as impressive to me as winning Wimbledon.
Djokovic will dominate clayUnfortunately for Federer and his fans, the answer is no, though I would love it if he wins Madrid.
Nadal is the heavy favourite, Djokovic and Thiem are second with Zverev (no sarcasm) coming after them. Federer will have a hard time winning it.
If he pulls out his 2017 IW form and the neo backhand then yes
perfection in motion
I've only been to the Madrid event once, in 2004 when it was still indoors and not on clay. It was only the second match I was privileged to watch with Safin, who defeated Nalby. Never saw it the Madrid event on clay. But I will guarantee you it's not the same or as great as either IW or Cincy. No way!Is Madrid a tournament worth visiting (from the USA)? I've been spoiled a bit with IW and Cincinnati...
Quite honestly, I would be scared if Fed player Schwartzman on clay. I don’t think that Fed can beat that little guy on clay.
But it will be fun watching Fed play anyway.
Quite honestly, I would be scared if Fed played Schwartzman on clay. I don’t think that Fed can beat that little guy on clay.
But it will be fun watching Fed play anyway.