The ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo is heating up as players vie for glory on the clay courts of the prestigious event. With matches scheduled for April 9, 2025, tennis fans are in for a treat as several exciting matchups take center stage.
First up, Daniel Altmaier is set to face Richard Gasquet at 11:00 CEST. Altmaier, who has shown promising form by winning three of his last five matches, made a significant impact in the opening round by upsetting Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets. Despite trailing 1-4 in the first set, Altmaier turned the match around to secure his spot in the next round. On the other hand, Gasquet, who has also won three of his last five matches, battled through a tough three-set match against Arnaldi, lasting nearly three hours on the court. Having received a wild card for the tournament, Gasquet's best result in Monte Carlo dates back to 2005 when he reached the semifinals, losing to Rafael Nadal.
According to the latest odds, Altmaier is the favorite in this matchup, reflecting his strong performance in the opening round. Given Gasquet’s recent struggles and the fatigue from his lengthy first match, experts suggest that Altmaier could dominate this encounter. The recommended bet is for Altmaier to cover a -3.5 games handicap at odds of 2.00 on bet365.
Next on the agenda is the clash between Jiri Lehecka and Lorenzo Musetti, scheduled for the same day at 11:00 CEST. Lehecka, who has faced a challenging season, lost four of his last five matches before finally breaking his losing streak with a solid victory over Korda in the first round. He saved a set point in the second set and won convincingly in straight sets. Musetti, meanwhile, has found some rhythm, winning three of his last five matches, including a hard-fought victory against Bu in three tight sets. While the bookies have Lehecka as a slight underdog, his recent performance suggests he could emerge victorious. The best bet for this matchup is Lehecka to win at odds of 2.10 on bet365.
Later in the day, the spotlight will shine on Francisco Cerundolo as he takes on Carlos Alcaraz at 12:30 CEST. Cerundolo has been in fantastic form, winning four of his last five matches and recently demolishing Fabio Fognini in just over an hour. In contrast, Alcaraz has had a mixed season, winning three of his last five, but faced an early exit in Miami against Goffin. His last competitive match on clay was at the Olympic Games last year, making this matchup particularly intriguing as he looks to regain his footing on the surface. The odds favor Cerundolo as a significant underdog, and the recommendation is for him to cover a +4.5 games handicap at odds of 1.80 on bet365.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes are also on Novak Djokovic, who is participating in the Monte Carlo Masters with the aim of securing his 100th ATP Tour title. Despite being a top contender, Djokovic's history at Monte Carlo has been less than stellar; with only two titles to his name, it stands as his weakest Masters 1000 event statistically. His win percentage at the venue is 72.2%, the lowest among all Masters 1000 tournaments he has competed in. Djokovic's recent semifinal finish in 2024 offers a glimmer of hope, but he has faced early exits in previous years, adding pressure to his performance this week.
Djokovic's journey in Monte Carlo is particularly compelling this year, especially with his arch-rival Rafael Nadal retired. As the most successful active clay-courter on the ATP circuit, Djokovic is expected to face a mix of familiar and new opponents. His first match is against Alejandro Tabilo, scheduled for around 15:30 CEST on April 9, 2025. Djokovic's recent success at the Miami Open has renewed his form, and fans are eager to see if he can finally overcome his Monte Carlo struggles.
On the same day, other notable matches include Roberto Bautista facing Casper Ruud in the third match on the second court, while Pedro Martínez takes on Nuno Borges in the first match at 11:00 on the fourth court. The excitement is palpable as the tournament unfolds, with each match promising thrilling tennis and potential upsets.
As the ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo continues, it remains to be seen who will rise to the occasion and claim victory. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the competition is fierce, and every match is crucial in the quest for glory on the clay courts.
