In a thrilling opening day at the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters 1000, former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev battled through a tough first-round match against compatriot Karen Khachanov, emerging victorious with a scoreline of 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 after nearly three hours of intense action. This match set the tone for a day filled with excitement and drama on the clay courts of Monaco.
Medvedev, currently ranked 11th in the world, showcased his resilience as he fought back from losing leads in both the first and second sets. Despite having a four-game advantage in the opening set and a three-game lead in the second, Medvedev had to dig deep to secure his place in the second round. "It was a tough match, but I’m glad I managed to pull through," Medvedev remarked following his win. He will face Frenchman Alexandre Müller, who celebrated his first career victory in the main draw at Monte-Carlo by defeating Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-4, 6-4.
In another highlight of the day, veteran French player Gaël Monfils, currently ranked 44th, followed in the footsteps of his compatriot Richard Gasquet by advancing to the second round as well. Monfils overcame Hungary's Fabian Marozsan with a convincing performance, winning 4-6, 6-1, 6-1. The 38-year-old expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating, "I didn’t expect to play like this. Mission accomplished!" Monfils will next face last year’s champion Andrey Rublev, who received a bye in the first round.
Meanwhile, Richard Gasquet made headlines by securing his first Masters 1000 victory since Madrid 2023, defeating Matteo Arnaldi in a match that marked a significant milestone in his career. Gasquet, who first gained attention at Monte-Carlo in 2002 at the tender age of 15, is preparing for his final tournament before retirement, which will take place during the upcoming Roland-Garros. He will next meet Daniel Altmaier, who triumphed over Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets.
The day also saw some heartbreak for Swiss legend Stan Wawrinka, who, at 40 years old, fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to Chilean Alejandro Tabilo in a closely contested match, losing 1-6, 7-5, 7-5. Wawrinka’s defeat was particularly tough, as he had to battle through a challenging match that showcased his enduring skill and determination.
Other notable matches included American Marcos Giron defeating Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), and Czech player Jiri Lehecka overcoming Sebastian Korda with a similar scoreline of 6-3, 7-6 (9/7). The excitement continued as Italian Lorenzo Musetti fought hard to defeat Chinese player Bu Yunchaokete 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, after nearly two and a half hours of play.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Alexander Zverev, the second seed, who is set to make his debut in the Principality after Jannik Sinner's suspension. Zverev's participation adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament as he looks to make a strong statement.
Looking ahead, the upcoming matches promise to deliver more thrilling tennis action. Holger Rune, who reached the final at Indian Wells, and rising French star Arthur Fils will also be playing their first matches in the tournament, adding to the excitement for fans and players alike.
As the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 unfolds, the competition is heating up, and the stakes are high for all players involved. With each match, the drama and intensity of the tournament only increase, making it a must-watch event for tennis enthusiasts around the world.
The Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 continues to be a pivotal event in the ATP calendar, and as players vie for crucial ranking points and the prestigious title, fans can expect an exhilarating week ahead filled with unforgettable moments on the court.
