Portuguese media announced that Novak will not defend his title in Estoril (Portugal) due to his exhaustion and need to rest. Estoril marks the beginning of clay season, even though Novak is not a 'specialist' for a particular surface (like Roger Federer is for grass and Rafael Nadal for clay), Novak said he prefers clay the least.
The line-up of players participating in Estoril is significant for a €370.000 event, to name the few: Roger Federer, Nikolay Davydenko, Ivo Carlovic... and interestingly for the first time there will be no Spaniards participating in the tournament.
To remind us on Estoril 2007, Novak won the title as a #3 against Richard Gasquet in 3 sets, 7:6(7) 0:6 6:1 after 2 hours and 12 minutes of play. Winner of Estoril will earn 200 ATP points and €74.000 in prize money, finalist 140 ATP points and €43,700, semifinalists 90 ATP points...
In the news around ongoing Miami Open, players that have made it through to the Quarterfinals include Roger Federer, Andy Roddick... while Rafael Nadal is to play against James Blake today, Wednesday April 02, at 2pm local time (EDT, 8pm CET).
