The clay-court swing heats up in a big way with this week’s Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, where 10 of the top 12 players in the world are taking the court. Defending French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz is kicking off his 2025 clay campaign, Alexander Zverev is looking to dig out of a prolonged slump, and Novak Djokovic is once again seeking title No. 100. It should be an exciting eight days in the principality.
The 2025 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters is taking place this week, starting on April 6, 2025, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. This prestigious tournament, held on clay, awards 1000 points and boasts a hefty prize purse of 6,128,940 Euros. The top seed is Alexander Zverev, while the defending champion is Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has won the title three times in the past four years.
Djokovic, a two-time winner in Monte-Carlo, is looking to reclaim his spot at the top. The 37-year-old Serb was a semifinalist at the Australian Open and finished runner-up at the Miami Masters, and he finds himself in a favorable section of the draw. His potential path includes familiar foes such as Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov in the early rounds, both of whom he could face in rounds two and three, respectively.
On the other hand, Zverev, the top seed, is trying to recover from a slump that has seen him struggle since losing in the final of the Australian Open. He could meet Matteo Berrettini in the second round, followed by Lorenzo Musetti in the last 16, and potentially Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals. Zverev’s performance in Monte-Carlo will be crucial as he seeks to regain his form on clay.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz, the second seed, is looking to erase the memory of a disappointing start to the season. He missed the event last year and has a challenging draw ahead. In his opening match, he’s likely to face Francisco Cerundolo, who is also strong on clay. If Alcaraz can navigate through his section, he may meet Casper Ruud, the fourth seed, later in the tournament.
Ruud, who was the runner-up in last year’s tournament, is hoping that the return to clay will revive his fortunes after a lackluster season so far. His quarter includes players like Jack Draper, Ben Shelton, and Frances Tiafoe, all of whom will provide tough competition.
The tournament has a rich history, having been established in 1896 and evolving into a professional tournament in 1969. It became one of the ATP’s top-level Master Tournaments in 1990 and is unique in that it does not have a mandatory player commitment, though players are generally reluctant to miss the event, marking the start of the European clay court swing leading up to the French Open.
Jack Draper, currently ranked No. 7 in the world, is seeded fifth and is coming off a victory at the Indian Wells Masters. He awaits the winner of the match between Marcos Giron and Denis Shapovalov in the second round. Draper’s strong performance this season has made him a player to watch as he aims to make a deep run in Monte-Carlo.
As the tournament progresses, viewers can expect thrilling matchups and potential upsets. The absence of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is serving a suspension, opens the door for others to shine. The competition is fierce, with Djokovic, Zverev, and Alcaraz all vying for the title, alongside a host of talented players looking to capitalize on the opportunity.
The 2025 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters is not just a tournament; it's a showcase of the best in men's tennis, set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean. As the players gear up for their matches, fans can look forward to a week of high-stakes tennis that promises to deliver excitement and drama.
In conclusion, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters is set to kick off on April 6, with the main draw running through to the finals on April 13. With top players competing for the prestigious title and significant prize money, the tournament is a must-watch for tennis enthusiasts around the globe.
