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Nicolás Almagro

June 2010 | by Monticelli

The most in-form player in the men's draw, the tall Spaniard is not only an exciting prospect but has to be the most likely champion at Eastbourne 2010.

Has moved into the world's top 20 after a remarkable season, including a romp to the quarter-finals at Roland Garros and the semi-finals at the Madrid Masters in Spain - both halted by compatriot and ex-world no1 Rafael Nadal.

The 2010 season has been spectacular despite not winning an ATP Tour event. Finishing as quarter-finalist at Acapulco, Miami, Munich and the French Open has propelled Almagro to the elite top 20.

The baseliner has an outstanding serve, often exceeding over 200 km/h, and in 2010 Almagro seems to have found a way to keep his suspect temperament under control.

In his fourth season as a professional, the Spaniard collected his maiden ATP Tour title in front of his compatriots at the 2006 Valencia Open as a qualifier. His triumph saw Almagro win eight successive matches, including wins over ex-world no1 players Juan Carlos Ferrero and Marat Safin.

Almagro repeated his success on home clay by defending his title to claim the 2007 Valencia Open, but then lost in the final of the 2007 Båstad Open in Switzerland. Added three more tournaments so far, although he is likely to pick up more ATP Tour titles in the very near future - maybe starting at Devonshire Park.

Only ever played a handful of matches on grass courts, but raced into the third round of the 2009 Wimbledon Championships.

Reached quarter-finals of 2010 French Open.

Realistic chances of winning // Expect Almagro to claim his first title of 2010.