Novak and Rafa*
Next up for the men in tennis is the Masters 1000 event, the Rogers Cup in Montreal from August 5 – 14.
The first round of the main draw starts on Monday 8 August.
The women also play for the Rogers Cup, but in Toronto from August 6 – 14.
The Rogers Cup is part of the US Open Series, in the lead up to the US Open which starts on August 29.
Andy Murray has been the Rogers Cup champion for the past two years and it’s the first tournament that Novak, Rafa, Roger and Andy have played since Wimbledon.
Given that all of the Top 4 players are looking to get in some great match play on hard court in the lead up to the US Open, and they are all past winners of the Rogers Cup, this definitely has to be a really interesting tournament.
* Photo source
No.1 – Novak Djokovic
Djokovic in Montreal
Playing his first tournament as World No.1, Novak Djokovic hasn’t been beaten on hard court this year. He won the Rogers Cup in 2007 but hasn’t won since.
He will be determined to continue winning but he has a pretty tough draw; probably Davydenko in the second round, the possibility of Del Potro in the third round and then potentially Trocki, Isner or Monfils in the next round (who have all been playing well recently).
I think Djokovic will make the final but will be beaten by Rafa who has got to be hungry to get a win on the board.
No.2 – Rafael Nadal
Rafa's pic from his Facebook page
Rafa won the Rogers Cup in 2005 and 2008.
He potentially needs to get past either an in form Fish or Murray in the semi final – I think he’s up for the challenge.
Novak has defeated Rafa in the last five finals that they have played.
For my money, despite Novak’s continuing wins and incredible confidence, I think Rafa is ready and willing to take back a victory.
Ed’s note – Rafa is now on Twitter and already has nearly 204,000 fans. Follow him at http://twitter.com/#!/RafaelNadal
Here’s some more info on what Rafa has been up to lately Busy Nadal Trains and Tweets
No.3 – Roger Federer
Roger's pic from his Facebook page
Roger won the Rogers Cup in 2004 and 2006. His only tournament win on hard courts this year was Doha in January.
I think Roger has still got what it takes to win some more Grand Slams but as he will possibly come up against Novak in the semi final, I think on this occasion Novak will win and go through to the final.
Find out if Roger can overtake Rafael Nadal in the Rankings.
Sadly, Andy Roddick and Robin Soderling have withdrawn from this tournament.
Want to read more?
Here you go: Will Andy Murray prevail when Top 4 meet at the Rogers Cup.
Who do you think will win the Rogers Cup?
Until next time