This Week’s Tournaments:
Internazionali BNL d’Italia – Rome, Italy

Last Week’s Winners:
Mutua Madrid Open – Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal Wins 3rd Consecutive Title in Madrid
Rafa’s outstanding clay season continues, as he won his 3rd consecutive title on clay so far this season.    Rafa has been on a roll winning Monte Carlo, Barcelona and now Madrid.   The King of Clay defeated arguably the best clay court player of the younger generation, Dominic Thiem (the Prince of Clay?), in both the Barcelona and Madrid finals.  The Madrid title was especially sweet as Rafa defeated Novak Djokovic for the first time in 7 matches, in their record 50th career meeting.

Juan Monaco Announces Retirement
“Pico” made a surprise announcement that he would be retiring from professional tennis on Monday on social media.  He had only played 3 matches so far this year.  Monaco turned pro in 2002 and had won 9 ATP World Tour Titles, reaching a career high of #10 in the world.    We wish Pico all the best!  (and maybe more game show appearances?)

Frances Tiafoe Wins Aix en Provence Challenger
The #NextGen American won his second clay court challenger title of the year over the weekend in Aix en Provence.  The win brings Frances up to a career high of #65 in the ATP World Tour rankings and to #3 in the ATP #NextGen Race to Milan.  #BigFoeOnTheComeUp indeed.