The last three weeks had been the lull before the storm – the storm which will consist of some mouth-watering clashes, grinding sets, smashing aces, lethal forehands and blistering backhands!

The storm we are talking about is the storm of tennis – and it's about to sweep the world with two classic AMS events and one awesome Masters Cup.

The first tournament to kickstart this exciting fall is the Mutua Madrilèna Masters Madrid. It’s once again time to say ''Hola Madrid!'' The picturesque city known for bull-fighting, flamenco-dancing and its mesmerising beauties has often been called the sports capital of Europe - not a surprise, considering the frenzy of the Spaniards and their ability to excel in all sports.

So, although only six years ago the Rockdromo in Madrid became the central court for the then newly-incepted 8th AMS event, it has always held a very special place in the hearts of all avid tennis watchers. And the fact that all the top 30 players in the ATP rankings will be vying for the 378,000 euros on the Green Set of Madrid this year will very much consolidate the reason why every tennis enthusiast all over the world should watch it.

The marquee event, playing host to four past champions this year, will witness some enthralling tennis, and the fact that four more Masters Cup spots are still up for grabs will surely turn up the tempo.

Defending champion David Nalbandian returns to the scene of his first big title. A well-timed good finish in Stockholm has boosted his confidence. The same applies for his compatriot, the dangerous Juan Martin Del Potro. Even though his most recent performances don’t really measure up, the Argentinian has cemented his place amongst the new budding talents to watch.

Roger Federer has ended speculation and confirmed his participation and this will be his first AMS event this year. Novak Djokovic, a semi-finalist last year, returns to threaten Federer’s world No.2 spot. Considering the fact that historically Nole has faded at this time of the season, much due to fatigue (signs of which were visible in his defeat by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at Bangkok) this will be a tough call for him.

That brings us to the man of the moment, home hero Rafael Nadal, who comes to Madrid for the first time as the numero uno player in the world. Fatigue might play a role for the man who has already played 86 matches this year, but knowing it’s the ever-spirited Rafa, we might be proved wrong.

The draw gives Nadal early competition from the budding Ernests Gulbis, keen to settle a score after Wimbledon. He might provide a challenge but is hardly likely to overcome the Spaniard. Compatriot David Ferrer is in the same quarter, but he is inconsistent. Stanislas Wawrinka, known for good performances on the indoor hardcourts, is unlikely to trouble Rafa much. If tiredness doesn’t creep in, it should be Nadal in the semis.

Djokovic also faces dangers, pitched against the likes of Dmitry Tursunov, the big-serving Ivo Karlovic and Nikolay Davydenko. On top of that, somewhere down there, lurking in that part of the draw, is the ever-unpredictable Marat Safin, who convincingly beat him at Wimbledon. Moreover, a showdown with Nadal also awaits if he manages to cross the first few hurdles.

Andy Murray returns after a swashbuckling season, ranked No.4 in the world. With a final appearance at the US Open and an AMS title under his belt, he is ready to take on the world. But competition will be ferocious, with booming server Andy Roddick, forehand superpower Fernando Gonzalez and the in-form Gael Monfils hovering in that part of the draw. Coupled with Marin Cilic and Nicolas Almagro, Murray will have his hands full.

The last quarter is headed by Federer, who plays after quite a bit of drama. He kept everybody on the tenterhooks after pulling out of Stockholm with startling comments that drew a line of uncertainty over his participation in the rest of the season. The draw for him, obviously, might not be a cakewalk, especially after his self-imposed three-week break. Dangerous customers like Del Potro, Tsonga and Nalbandian float in his part of the draw.

Del Potro certainly has the firepower, but Federer’s poise, temperament and renewed confidence will ultimately see him through. The same can be said for the talented yet injury-prone Tsonga. But against his former nemesis Nalbandian, Federer always has a different battle on the cards because their rivalry dates back to their junior days. If Fedex can overcome these obstacles he will be required to overcome one of the two Andys in the semis and, who knows, we might even be looking at the prospect of Federer-Nadal final clash on October 19.

So, the stage is set for some exhilarating tennis. Without a doubt, the last edition of the Madrid Masters at the Recinto Ferial Casa de Campo promises to be one which no tennis enthusiast can afford to miss.