Clay Brings Changes at the Top

1.  Rafael Nadal – Even with a loss in Madrid, which has never been Rafa’s best clay event, his 50 straight sets won on clay and titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona make Rafa the hot hand on tour and favorite for an 11th(!) Roland Garros title.  Change since last ranking +7
2. Dominic Thiem – The Austrian beat Rafa but did not grab the Masters Shield.  That may stink, but anyone who does not see the two-time Roland Garros semifinalist as the second form horse heading into Paris is probably offbase.  Change since last ranking +4
3. Sascha Zverev – His 3rd Masters Shield and wins over Shapalov and Thiem have him riding high.  A second week showing in Paris would go far in terms of silencing critics though.  Change since last ranking + 4
4. Juan Martin del Potro – JMDP is not looking unstoppable, but he ended the early hardcourt swing so well that he may be good for a round of 16 or quarterfinal run in Paris.  Change since last ranking – 2
5. Kei Nishikori – His runner-up finish in Monte Carlo likely means no more Challenger events in 2018.  Change since last ranking – Not ranked
6. Roger Federer – He is sitting out the clay season but looks relaxed training in Dubai.  Change since last ranking – 5
7. John Isner – Isner can be dangerous on clay.  Change since last ranking – 4
8. Marin Cilic – Cilic still has reached 2 major finals in the past 52 weeks, but his goal of finishing 2018 ranked #1 is further away than it was at the conclusion of the Australian Open.  Change since last ranking – 3
9. Kevin Anderson – He won a 250 level event in NYC.  He reached the semifinals in Madrid.  Change since last ranking + 1
10. Grigor Dimitrov – My gut says he will play well in Paris.  Change – 1

Clay will likely shake this list up quite a bit.  The next poll will be out after Monte Carlo.

Biggest Mover – Rafael Nadal 7 Spots Higher

Entered the Poll – Kei Nishikori

Dropped Out – Hyeon Chung