[Wittmann 44]

The draw will be vital here. I will be looking for some e/w value in Fedrerer's section. He still doesn't convince for me on clay. He has made the SF and Final in 2005 and 2006 respectively but prior to that his record was middling. His SF appearance in 2005 was due to a very kind draw and he was in better form coming into 2006 then he is now. I think Nadal losing to Federer in Hamburg will actually benefit Nadal. His run is over and that might lift some pressure off him.

In my view I don't think Volandri has any chance at all. He has never been beyond the second round here and when the competition increases at Slam and Masters level he has been found wanting outside Rome. Kohlscreiber is more interesting. With a kind draw he might make the last 16. Better than that I would be surprised.

Of the fancy priced players Robredo always performs solidly although he hasn't made the leap to beating top 10 players consistently. Canas is always dangerous but there's questions over his fitness. I might be tempted be Gasquet with a good draw. I'd say all 3 have a good chance of making the QF at least.

Like you bulit I cannot briong myself to back Nadal at what will be less than evens.