ATP bans blue clay in 2013

ATP decided to ban blue clay courts and won't allow Madrid Masters to continues its experiments next year. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal criticized the blue surface, which was introduced for the first time at this year's tournament, and said they wouldn't be playing in Madrid again in 2013.

After so much controversy, ATP agrees with Rafa and Novak and defends that blue clay is not safe to play tennis. Players complained the court was too slippery. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, ATP executive chairman and president Brad Drewett said that "regardless of colour, we must first ensure that courts are safe and fair for players." "While the blue clay may have offered better visibility on television, there were clearly issues with the quality of the courts in Madrid this year, which were not acceptable at an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament, one of our top events worldwide", added Drewett.

Madrid Open was won by Roger Federer and Serena Williams. Top seeds like Nadal and Djokovic crashed out early in the tournament and blamed the court surface for their poor performance.

Nadal regains Rome title and number 2 spot

Credit: Internazionali BNL d’Italia 

Rafael Nadal regained the 2nd position in the ATP men's ranking, by defeating Novak Djokovic this Monday in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia final.

The Spaniard triumphed 7-5, 6-3 in a 02h20 match, and regained his Rome crown, won by Djokovic in 2011. The final had been delayed by a day because of rain and was only played on Monday.

It’s Nadal’s sixth Rome title and his 21st ATP Masters 1000. The Majorcan will now move ahead of Roger Federer in the ATP World Tour's ranking.

Rome final. Credit: Internazionali BNL d’Italia 

Rafa vs Nole head-to-head will continue at the French Open. Credit: Internazionali BNL d’Italia 

After his victories in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Nadal is considered a favourite to win the French Open. But the player is not happy about his game level yet. “I didn't consider myself that good. I can do better. When you are not serving 100% perfect then you are in trouble because he (Djokovic) returns hard. I am trying to play more aggressive and I am touching the ball better and my forehand is more painful than last year and that is why I am able to go more to the side", said Nadal at Rome's post-match press-conference.

Nadal was back home in Majorca later this Monday. Credit: Nadal's FB page

On the other hand, Novak Djokovic is heading to Roland Garros in "his top form", as he admitted after the Rome final. The world Nº1 wants to win four majors in a row at the French Open, where he’s never made the championship match. Despiste his confidence, he considers Nadal to be the best player in the world on clay surface.