This week's Madrid Masters is crucial for Tennis Masters Cup contenders. There are six singles berths up for grabs in the final three weeks of the year and, because it is an ATP Masters Series event, all results this week count. Whether a player suffers a first-round loss or wins the tournament, his result will count towards his INDESIT ATP 2006 Race total.
With the 16 seeds having byes, it is critical for a player to win his first match. Victory in that first match means the difference between earning one point and 15 points (for reaching the third round).
Cup contenders Ivan Ljubicic, James Blake, Nikolay Davydenko, Marcos Baghdatis and Mario Ancic all missed opportunities to push their claims for a Shanghai berth after losses Wednesday.
David Nalbandian, who plays Marat Safin in the quarterfinals on Friday, would be certain to move to No. 5 from No.8 if he reaches the final. He would finish no lower than No. 4 if he wins the title.
Andy Roddick remains at 16 points behind Ljubicic at No. 4, following his third round loss to Tomas Berdych on Thursday. Tommy Robredo stands one point behind Blake at No. 7.
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