Rafael Nadal is the clear cut favorite at Monte Carlo after winning eight in a row and he likely will have his ninth based on his opening performance at the tournament, wining  6-1 6-2 over Australian Marinko Matosevic in the first round Wednesday.

Nadal has looked excellent in his return from knee injuries and playing on clay courts has been a huge boost to him as he prepares for the French Open, which he won last year. Nadal is ranked number five, but he looks like number one and had won three of four tournaments, including at Indian Wells, his first on hard court in years.

Nadal was cheered on by the crowd and now it looks likely that he will win his ninth ahead of the French Open. The world number five, who has made a successful return to competition by winning three out of his first four tournaments including the Indian Wells Masters Series last month, looked in great shape on the picturesque Center Court that has been his stage since he first won the tournament in 2005.

World number one Novak Djokovic was facing a tricky second-round match against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia while second seed Andy Murray was to begin his claycourt season against Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin later in the day.

Canadian 22-year-old Milos Raonic, seeded 12, failed to set up a big-serving clash with Juan Martin Del Potro when he was beaten by Finland's Jarkko Nieminen 6-3 1-6 7-6.

(Reuters)