Clay Court Predictions: Nicolas Almagro

The clay court season is quickly approaching, and there has been little talk about one Spanish player who is making a major splash in 2008...Nicolas Almagro.  At #23 in the world, the 22-year-old boasts the best clay court record on the ATP tour with 14 wins and one loss; he also dominated the Latin American circuit in style, with tournament victories in Costa do Sauipe and Acapulco.  While in Acapulco, the Spaniard proved that he can shine on the grand stage, by upsetting David Nalbandian, ending the Argentine's 10 match winning streak.

He is also improving by the day: In 2007 Almagro earned his best season by winning a career-high 34 matches and finishing in Top 30 for first time.  Nicolas earned partial Spanish bragging rights, by beating fellow countryman, Carlos Moya, for the Brazilian title in February.  Almagro is often over shadowed by names such as Robredo, Ferrero, Ferrer and Nadal, but that won't be the case as the season continues.

He plays with fire, battles with class, and is sneaking up on all top players on the men's tour....the red clay grinds are coming up, and Almagro will continue to make is presence felt in 2008.