With Nadal and Federer opting out of the 2012 Rogers Cup, the competition narrows down between other top guns of ATP. Novak Djokovic of Serbia will lead the field, as he is named the top-seed for this ATP World Tour 1000 Event. Though, he has earned significant success against Rafa-Roger, the Serbian can make the most of their absence this time after being knocked out in the Olympics. Amidst present state of affairs, Djokovic starts as the favorite to clinch the title in Montreal this time with Andy Murray, who earned the top honor at London by clinching the gold medal and also avenged his heartbreaking loss to Roger Federer at the Wimbledon final.

Besides other notable contenders, Andy Roddick, David Ferrer and Fernando Verdasco have also withdrawn from this tournament. As mentioned above, the competition of favorites narrows down between Murray and Djokovic, but both will have to go through quick transition from grass to hard-court. Both contenders like to play on hard-courts, but it would be a challenge for both of them, as they have not competed on hard-court since March.

Other notable contenders who are in the contention of title are Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Czech Tomas Berdych and Canadian tennis sensation Milos Raonic. Both Tsonga and Raonic have been enjoying a decent form of late, but Tomas Berdych is struggling badly on tour. The Czech must be looking forward to find some form on hard-court, where he has done quite well – over the years. Thus, he cannot be underestimated.

Amidst all these contenders, feisty American Mardy Fish also looks a worthy opponent who can test the bests in business during the North American summer. Fish finished as a finalist at Montreal last season and he has it all to go one step ahead to clinch the title this time.

Other worthy contender, who can produce massive upsets are Florian Mayer, Kei Nishikori and Juan Martin Del Potro, who won the Bronze Medal at London Olympics.