WITH the second Grand Slam of 2012 less than two weeks away it's time to kick the clay off the baseline and begin serving ace tips in the world of tennis.
The French Open at Roland Garros gets underway later this month and Novak Djokovic and co are building up to the major in Rome this week.
*British No.1 Andy Murray (1-3, Betfred) begins his quest to land the ATP1000 event at the Foro Italico today against Argentine David Nalbandian (9-4, Betfred).
The Scot, who turns 25 today, had a bye in round one and should be too strong for 30-year-old Nalbandian whom he leads 4-2 in previous meetings.
Somewhat surprisingly this clash, for a place in the last 16, will be their first on clay and for that reason I'm tipping Nalbandian to push Murray to three sets (7-4, William Hill, Skybet).
Defending champion and world No.1 Djokovic is also in action today but at 1-16 isn't worthing backing against fast-rising Aussie Bernard Tomic (12-1, Bet365).
**The match I fancy will enrich my betting account is that between Spanish rivals David Ferrer (1-4, Betvictor, Boylesports, 888sport, Paddy Power) and Fernando Verdasco (10-3, Bet365).
World No.6 Ferrer and No.16 Verdasco are tied at seven wins apiece and although the former has won both this year's meetings in straight sets expect more than two this time.
Verdasco has found form just in time for Roland Garros, securing his first-ever victory over Rafael Nadal last week in Madrid.
Both players reached the quarter-finals last week on the Spanish capital's much-maligned blue clay, therefore look at three sets (2-1, Skybet) or Ferrer 2-1 (16-5, William Hill).
Nadal and Madrid winner Roger Federer are in action on Wednesday so I'll be back with more Rome Masters tips later … happy betting!
Recommendations
David Ferrer to win 2-1 (16-5, William Hill)
**(Match begins 10am approx, UK time)
Andy Murray to win 2-1 (16-5, William Hill)
*(Match begins 2pm approx, UK time)
In December 2020 we sadly 
David who do u fancy to win tourney outright and maybe someone for a wee ew bet?
Joe, I’ve had a look at the draw and reckon Nadal will win this week. He’s a five-time winner of the event and given last week’s disappointment in Madrid, he’ll be desperate to get another tournament in the bag before the French Open. He also won on clay in Monte Carlo and Barcelona last month and is widely available at 5-6 and 1-2 each way. Good luck!
Ok thanks dave. Will have a wee punt on him.
Davie, well done with the Murray tip, unlucky with Ferrer with the second set going to a tiebreak.