Top 3 seeds into the quarters of Madrid

Roger, has found his rhythm. At least that's the way it looks for now, after beating his fellow country man Stanislas Wawrinka, in straight sets, Federer, progressed to his first masters series quarter-final, in nearly two months. Could it be here at last? Another rematch in the Federer/Nadal rivalry? Well, I must admit, that it seems likely to happen. There's just one problem. Ernest Gulbis, stands in Roger's way and he clearly has the game to give Roger all sorts of problems. His hard hitting style landed him a spot in the semi-finals of Rome (and a set off Nadal.) The surface in Madrid is noticeably faster than the clay in Rome. I've also heard that the ball bounces a bit higher. Which makes Gulbis' game, all the more dangerous. If Federer, can get past Gulbis, he's scheduled to meet Ferrer or Murray in the semis. Both of which could also be tough for him.

Andy Murray, started his clay campaign on a down streak but he's turned that around in Madrid and he's now back to his usual dangerous level. Ferrer, if anything has been better than ever. After witnessing him demolish Marin Cilic, I'd have to put him as a very strong contender to win Madrid. If he can get over the hurdle of the top two seeds (he's 3-20 against Roger and Nadal) he's got a great chance of winning. I'll give Ferrer, the edge going into the match with Murray, he leads their head-to-head 2-1 and clay is probably his strongest surface. Murray, does have a chance but if he's going to win he'll need to take the ball early and hit Ferrer off the court. Again, this match could go either way but I'm leaning towards Ferrer.

Then there's the match between Nadal and Monfils. To be honest I'd be surprised if Monfils, is able to make this close. He's been off for two months nursing a hand injury from the BNP Paribas Open. Nadal, shouldn't have any problem with Monfils here. He might have a run in with Almagro in the semis and even though Almagro is playing some of his best clay court tennis ever, I still feel confident in saying Nadal, will win in straights.