Could have been worse for Rafa, but not much.
Pitfalls:
2nd round - the rising Thiem might make it tough, or could be easy pickings if overwhelmed by the occasion.
4th round - Almagro if he makes it past Haas who is still nursing a shoulder issue
QF - Ferrer - possible 3rd round with Giraldo, and 4th with Dimitrov, should make it through
SF - Wawrinka - can be there if he makes it past GGL in a tough 1st round match, Fognini in the 4th round and Murray in the QF
Rafa could face 3 players that have beaten him this year. Chance for redemption I guess, but certainly not easy.
Murray has it tough.
1st round Golubev if he is on can be dangerous, though he is probably better on hard court.
3rd round Kohli destroyed Murray the only time they met at Monte Carlo.
If he makes it to the 4th round, likely Verdasco or any of Berlocq, Gasquet (but he might withdraw), Hewitt (doubt it)
QF - potentially Wawrinka who is unbeaten on clay vs. Murray in 3 attempts. The last time in 2013 Monte Carlo was not pretty
Respectfully,
masterclass
I am not happy with the draw because I wanted andy murray in nole's 1/2. I wanted to see a 5 set battle between andy and nole.
other than that, the tough draw for rafa might work out. he has to cast out his demons.
he needs the work. tougher draw will prepare him best for the final.
he has to roll up his sleeves and dig deep for this one.