More Monte-Carlo Battles

Another action packed day at Masters Series Monte-Carlo.  World No. 1, Roger Federer continues to grind through 3 set battles early in this clay court season, as he surpasses Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo, in a third set breaker for a spot in the third round.  The Question is: Will Roger be able to outlast these guys in best of 5 set format at Roland Garros?  Regardless, it's a good win for Fed; I saw Ruben drop a tough four-setter to Canas last year at the U.S. Open, he has a solid baseline game, with an extremely solid two handed backhand.  After that match against Guillermo, it seemed like Ruben was destined for a top 25 ranking ... bottom line, Federer scored a solid victory.

Marat Safin's woes continue as he was easily ousted by Ferrer, no big surprise there; while No. 2 seed, Rafael Nadal picked up the most impressive routing of the day with an 0 & 3 whooping over Mario Ancic.  Mario favors faster courts, but that's a big confidence boost for "Camp Nadal," as they prepare to defend their French Open crown(s) in the near future.  Oh, and Nicolas Almagro won another clay court match, what else is new?