Weekly Preview

I definitely think its important to note the action taken by the ATP to impose a record fine on the Dubai organisers for denying Shahar Peer (above) entry into the UAE. It's the right move, but I would have liked to have seen Dubai taken off the calendar altogether. As it happens, the mens tournament is going ahead as well and I really don't think it should - on moral reasons alone. Andy Roddick appears to share my belief and has duly withdrawn from the tournament in protest. Nice one Andy! At least the organisers have salvaged some integrity by granting Andy Ram a visa to compete in the doubles competition.

Along with the absence of the American, Federer, Nadal and Davydenko have also withdrawn through injury, therefore further weakening the field and making Djokovic and Murray clear favourites for the title. Beyond these two, it's a very open field.

In perhaps the most notable upset, Ivo Karlovic bowed out to Swiss qualifier Marco Chiudinelli 7-6(4) 4-6 7-6(7), ranked a lowly 443 in the world - although in 2005 he was in a much more handsome position of 129. Nevertheless, it marks another poor outing for the Croat who is struggling to replicate his strong form of last season, despite serving a whopping 19 aces throughout the course of the match. Much has been noted of him trying to improve his baseline game to compliment his strong serving and volleying skills, but in this case it might be a classic case of "if it's not broke...."

Elsewhere, Marin Cilic survived a scare against Janko Tipsarevic who was a set up 6-2 and going strong on the second. The young Croat however, showed all his fighting qualities and mental fortitude, serving a better percentage than usual, especially at key stages during the match.

A couple of other first round matches are also looking very close, especially Marat Safin against Richard Gasquet. Both will be looking to get their seasons underway after disappointing starts, and the winner will be treated to a match with David Ferrer, who came through in three sets against former world number 3 Ivan Ljubicic, who continues to slip down the rankings. 

Being an admirer of the clay, I am also interested to see how the week in Acapulco pans out, especially with such an interesting field. Tommy Robredo (below) yesterday captured his second title in as many weeks, and was aptly presented with a crowd of beautiful women to celebrate his success! What a lucky boy! Few would count him out of winning yet another title this week, although his possible fatigue may enable a host of other players to mount a serious challenge.

Gael Monfils will surely be a strong contender, and on the red stuff is arguably playing on his best surface. Also prone to injuries the clay should provide a much softer experience than the punishing hard courts of Marseille and Doha. He lines up against qualifier Olivier Patience in the first round, and should enjoy a routine passage into the next. Top seed David Nalbandian and fourth seed and defending champion Nicolas Almagro will also be tough guys to beat.

Lastly, in the only 250 event of the week, San Jose finalist Mardy Fish tops the bill. Sam Querrey, Ernests Gulbis and Jeremy Chardy will also fancy their chances.