Rome Masters
Rafael Nadal, who has won four claycourt titles this year, continued his run of superb form with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Guillermo Canas.
The exodus of leading players left the Spanish teenager and the fifth seed as the highest-ranked player in the draw.
Accolades have come thick and fast after his wins in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, with former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker picking him as the favourite for the French Open.
"At the moment Nadal is a big favourite," Becker said. "Federer on clay is also a big threat so you shouldn`t overlook him. But the top player right now is Rafael Nadal."
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