The clay court season is officially upon us, and the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters is set to kick off from April 6-13, 2025. This prestigious tournament, known for its breathtaking views and rich history, is the first Masters 1000 event of the clay season, a crucial stepping stone leading up to the French Open. With the main draw action commencing on Sunday, fans are eagerly anticipating a week of thrilling tennis at the Monte-Carlo Country Club.
As the tournament begins, the entry list is headed by World No. 2 Alexander Zverev, who will be looking to capitalize on the absence of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, currently serving a three-month suspension for doping offenses. Sinner's absence leaves the door open for other contenders, including the reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz and the legendary Novak Djokovic, who is seeking to add to his impressive record.
Djokovic, a two-time Monte Carlo champion, could be playing in this tournament for the last time as he approaches his 38th birthday. Known for his exceptional skills on clay, Djokovic is aiming to secure the Golden Masters, a feat that would mark him as the first player to win all nine Masters tournaments at least three times. His previous victories in Monte Carlo came in 2013 and 2015, and with his experience, he remains a formidable opponent.
The tournament has also welcomed a number of veteran players who have received wild cards to participate in what could be their final appearances. Richard Gasquet, a beloved figure in French tennis, is making his farewell tour and will play in Monte Carlo one last time. Gasquet's history with the tournament dates back to 2002 when he made his ATP debut at just 15 years old, famously defeating Roger Federer in a classic match in 2005.
Stan Wawrinka, another recipient of a wild card, is also looking to make a mark. The three-time Grand Slam champion recently turned 40 and is uncertain about his future in the sport. Wawrinka's only Masters 1000 title came in Monte Carlo over a decade ago, when he triumphed over Federer in the final.
Fabio Fognini, who won his only Masters title in Monte Carlo in 2019 by defeating Rafael Nadal, is back in the main draw after a two-year absence. Fognini's victory over Nadal remains one of the highlights of his career, and he will be looking to reignite that spark on the clay.
The final wild card has been awarded to Valentin Vacherot, the only Monegasque ranked in the Top 500. At 26 years old, Vacherot has participated in the last two main draws at his home tournament but is still seeking his first win. A four-time champion on the ATP Challenger Tour, he hopes to make his mark in front of the local crowd.
The full draw for the tournament was released on April 4, 2025, and it showcases a competitive field of 56 players. The top seeds include not only Zverev, Alcaraz, and Djokovic, but also US Open finalist Taylor Fritz, three-time former winner Stefanos Tsitsipas, and other notable players such as Casper Ruud, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev.
As the tournament unfolds, fans will be keeping a close eye on Jack Draper, the British No. 1, who enters the tournament as the fifth seed. Draper, fresh off his victory at Indian Wells, is set to face the winner of the match between Marcos Giron and Denis Shapovalov in the second round. If he advances, he could meet 11th seed Ben Shelton in the third round, a player he recently defeated en route to his title in California.
The Monte Carlo Masters is not only a test of skill and endurance but also offers significant rewards for the players. With a total prize money commitment of €6,128,940, the men's singles champion will take home €946,610, while the winning doubles team will earn €290,410. Additionally, players will vie for valuable ranking points, with the singles winner receiving 1000 points.
This year’s tournament promises to be filled with excitement as players battle it out on the red clay. The scenic location, combined with the high stakes, makes the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters a must-watch event for tennis enthusiasts around the world. As the clay court season heats up, fans are left wondering: who will emerge victorious in Monaco? Will Stefanos Tsitsipas defend his title, or will a new champion rise to the occasion?
With the action commencing this weekend, all eyes will be on the Monte-Carlo Country Club as the best in the world compete for glory. The anticipation is palpable as players prepare to showcase their skills on one of the most picturesque stages in tennis. Tune in to catch all the live action and witness the unfolding drama of the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters.
