World number one Novak Djokovic will take on the Spaniard Nicolas Almagro to kickstart his title defence in Rome. Novak had earlier skipped the Madrid Masters 1000 tournament and hence will be ready and rearing to go in Rome.
To help him further Djokovic has a rather normal draw to deal with as if he proceeds he mostly plays Bautista Agut in the third round. However he may face the likes of either Kei Nishikori or Nick Kyrgios in the quarterfinals followed by a mouth watering semifinal clash against Murray. Novak earlier said that he has his eyes all set on Roland Garros this year - the only Grand Slam tournament to elude him thus far. He takes Rome as an ideal preparation for the Grand Slam although he very well knows that things can change in a Grand Slam as it is a best of five sets .
Even after skipping Madrid, Novak enters Rome as the favourite to win the title, courtesy to scalping the first three Masters 1000 tournaments of the year in addition to winning the Australian Open. Novak has just lost two matches this season and looks well set to extend his winning streak on the Italian clay. Andy Murray will be Novak's closest rival and a big contender to win Rome after his exploits in Munich and Madrid, especially the way he played in the Madrid finals against the world's best clay court player- Rafa Nadal.
We can only let time tell regarding how things will unfold in this week. Blistering tennis on your way!