Preview: Western & Southern Financial Group Masters

City: Cincinnati, OH, USA
Surface: Outdoor Hard
Championship Points: 1000
2008 Singles Champion: Andy Murray
2008 Doubles: Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan

Andy Murray will be on hand to defend his title in Cincinnati. He will have his work cut out for him because his half of the draw is chalked full of contenders.

He could meet Juan Martin del Potro in quarterfinals. The Scotsman has had the Argentine’s number, but it is only a matter of time before del Potro turns the corner and surprises the defending champion. Del Potro did have physical problems during their Rogers Cup match, so he might be less of a threat this week. Murray could also have to deal with Federer in the semifinals.

Federer’s quarter of the draw is as difficult as Murray’s. The Swiss champ could have to contend with Robin Soderling or Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals. He then, of course, could meet with Murray or the surging del Potro in the semifinals.

Rafal Nadal has a pretty good draw. For someone who needs to play their way into contention, this draw could be a good way for the Spaniard to make it to the semifinals or finals because he desperately needs the points. He may have to see Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or Fernando Gonzalez in the quarterfinals and then maybe Nikolay Davydenko or Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

Tournament Draw
Singles / Doubles

Tournament Evils (formerly Tournament Malfeasance)
Singles
10 Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) vs. Tomas Berdych (CZE)
14 Marin Cilic (CRO) vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)
16 Tommy Robredo (ESP) vs. Jeremy Chardy (FRA)
Igor Andreev (RUS) vs. Nicolas Kiefer (GER)

Doubles
T. Parrott (USA)/F. Polasek (SVK) vs. J. Chardy (FRA)/G. Simon (FRA)

(Image: Eric M Spohn/WSFGM)