Federer and Nadal hunting for first title

It's that time of year for the long epic battles, the baseline grinds, the dirty socks, loud grunts and memorable matches...the clay court season has arrived!

Adding to the excitement is the fact that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both haven't won titles thus far in 2008.  It's the first time in 11 years that the top two players enter the European clay-court season without winning a title, after three months of play.

Expect to see Rafa break this drought, as he has played inspired hard court tennis and is still "The King of Clay."  Federer will be more hard pressed to produce his first 2008 trophy during the "dirt season".  Granted, Roger is an exceptional clay court player, proven by his run to the French Open finals last year, however, the competition has never been tougher on his least favorite surface.  Roger doesn't enjoy playing guys such as Nalbandian, Fabrice Santoro and other grinders who move him side to side, forcing him to generate his own power off the ground.  Furthermore, there are other potentially dangerous names in Roger's way, such as Nicolas Almagro, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, to name a few. 

"Fed" will most likely see his results improve as the clay season progresses, as he has a lot to prove.  Critics are questioning his heart, dedication, his reign and ability to dominate the tour as he once did; all things that will stir a fire in the World #1's heart and serve as a catalyst for more focused play.

It's interesting to see Rafa and Fed without titles thus far, but the clay schedule will most likely help change that losing trend