So Rafa's words were prophetic...he's out of Rome due to a nasty blister impeding his movement (and some great play from JC Ferrero), unable to take any break between tourneys. Definitely time for a change at the ATP. Surely it's not good for the game if the King of Clay goes out in the first round?

Karen, London,

I agree with Rafa. They can't play the whole May month without stopping and besides all the matches on clay-curt. In addition, three weeks later of this, they have to prepare Wimbledone, the most wonderful tournament, and they don't have time to rest. In brief, the ATP has to be more understandable

Viktor, Madrid, Spain

yeah he is defending it for the 3rd time

He defended it in 2006 and 2007....He didnt defend it in 2005 cos he hadnt won it the previous year.

Craig, Manchester,

Errr, Lulu - yes, Rafa has won it 3 times, but he wasn't defending it the first time he won it. So he's looking for his 4th victory, but his 3rd defense!

Marc, London,

Good on you Rafa. Well done for speaking out on behalf of the European players who are slogging it out on the clay and trying to defend their rank points. Shame on the ATP, who are clearly not acting in the players best interests and yet so quick to act if a player 'isn't trying hard enough'.

Jenny, London, UK

Tennis is nothing without its athletes. If they are saying that the schedule is too physically demanding, and there has certainly been an increase in injuries and players withdrawing from matches in progress, then THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SCHEDULING. Listen to the Players!!!

Doreen, Anaheim, USA

Umm...Rafa is looking to defend his title at FO for the 4th time. He has 3 (2005, 2006 and 2007).

Lulu Arroyo, Chicago,