On the ATP World Tour this week the clay courts return with two 250 events in Houston and Marrakech, so let’s see what the main talking points are this week.
Can The Americans Dominate In Houston- You don’t normally associate American tennis players with the clay court swing, however there are 12 Americans competing this week at the US Men’s Clay Court Tennis Championships in Houston. Top seed and 2015 champion Jack Sock leads the field in Texas and he will fancy his chances this week after a good start to 2017. Losses to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the closing stages of Indian Wells and Miami have certainly boosted his confidence and he will hope to build on his momentum on his best surface. However players like Fernando Verdasco, Victor Estrella Burgos and defending champion Juan Monaco will have something to say about that. One thing is for certain it should be an exciting tournament in Houston.
Can Grigor Dimitrov Push The Restart Button In Marrakech- Despite an Australian Open Semifinal, Grigor Dimitrov hasn’t been able to pounce on his thrilling start in 2017, with early exits in Indian Wells and Miami. The Bulgarian will hope a change in surface means a change in luck as he goes to Morocco in search of some early clay court momentum. He will however face some stiff competition from the likes of Benoit Paire, Phillip Kohlschrieber and Albert Ramos-Viñolas. Can the Bulgarian restart his 2017 campaign?
Is Borna Coric Ready To Defend His Title In Morocco?- It hasn’t been a great start to the season for the now world number 79 after only winning six matches in 2017. The Croatian has had to deal with physical injuries as well as mental warfare to reach a stage where he is competing in tournaments consistently. However he did show signs of progress in Miami where he overcame Dominic Thiem to make the third round. He will hope a change of surface and tournament changes fortunes for the talented Croatian as he returns to the scene of his last final. Can he go one step step further in 2017?
Prediction- My prediction for this week is that Benoit Paire will win Marrakech. I think the controversial Frenchman has what it takes to win a title on the red dirt and I think this week is his best opportunity.
