The Monte-Carlo Masters is in full swing this week, and fans are treated to thrilling matches as the tournament progresses into the Round of 32. On April 9, 2025, Andrey Rublev is set to face off against Gael Monfils, while Lorenzo Musetti takes on Jiri Lehecka in what promises to be an exciting day of tennis.
Starting with Andrey Rublev, the 2023 Monte Carlo champion is having a rollercoaster season so far, sporting a 9-7 record. Despite some ups and downs, including a recent three-match losing streak, Rublev managed to clinch his 17th ATP Tour title earlier this year in Qatar, defeating the in-form Jack Draper in the final. However, his form has been inconsistent, having been eliminated in the opening rounds of five tournaments this season, including both of his ‘Sunshine Double’ appearances.
Rublev, known for his powerful forehand and athleticism, is hoping that a return to clay will help him regain his momentum. He has previously excelled on this surface, winning back-to-back Masters 1000 clay-court events in 2023 and 2024. With a wealth of experience, including two finals at the Monte Carlo Masters, Rublev aims to leverage his skills to advance further in the tournament.
On the other side of the net, Gael Monfils enters the match with a strong 15-5 record this season. The charismatic Frenchman recently celebrated a remarkable comeback victory over Fabian Marozsan, winning 4-6, 6-1, 6-1. Monfils has shown his prowess on the court, hitting 28 winners against just 20 unforced errors in that match. At nearly 39 years old, Monfils is enjoying a resurgence, having made history in Auckland by becoming the oldest men’s singles title winner since Ken Rosewall in 1977.
Monfils’ experience on clay is notable as well; he reached the semifinals in Monte Carlo in 2015 and was a runner-up in 2016. His impressive footwork and ability to simplify his game have made him a formidable opponent, and he will look to capitalize on Rublev’s recent struggles.
The head-to-head record favors Rublev, who leads 2-1, including a victory in their most recent encounter at the 2023 US Open. However, this match will mark their first meeting on clay, adding an intriguing twist to the matchup. Will Rublev’s power prevail, or can Monfils’ agility and experience turn the tide?
Meanwhile, Lorenzo Musetti is hoping to bounce back against Jiri Lehecka after a challenging start to the season. The 24-year-old Italian has faced difficulties regaining his form, partly due to a calf injury that forced him to withdraw from the Argentine Open. Musetti has yet to reach a semifinal this year, but he is a two-time clay-court finalist and won the European Open in 2022. He reached the quarterfinals in Monte Carlo last year and won a bronze medal at the Olympics.
In his opening match at this year’s tournament, Musetti faced a tough challenge against China’s Yunchaokete but managed to come back from a set down. Now, he will need to dig deep against Lehecka, who has a 2-0 head-to-head advantage, winning both previous encounters on hard courts, including their latest meeting at the 2023 Miami Open.
Lehecka, 23, started the 2025 season strong, winning his second career title in Brisbane and reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open. However, he has struggled recently, entering Monte Carlo on a four-match losing streak. Despite this, he showed promise in his opener, defeating the dangerous American Seb Korda in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6, and winning an impressive 88% of his first-serve points.
With Musetti’s comfort on clay and his strong performance in Monte Carlo last year, this matchup could swing in his favor. The challenge will be whether he can overcome Lehecka’s recent confidence and maintain his composure on the court.
As the day unfolds, fans can also look forward to Novak Djokovic kicking off his European clay season against Alejandro Tabilo. This match is particularly significant for Djokovic, who is on the hunt for his landmark 100th career title. Tabilo, who upset Djokovic in Rome last year, presents a formidable challenge, and the top seed will be eager to assert his dominance.
In another intriguing matchup, Tomas Machac will face Alex De Minaur for the first time. Both players have had strong starts to the season, with Machac claiming his first ATP title in Acapulco and De Minaur gaining confidence on clay. Meanwhile, Nuno Borges will look to extend his head-to-head lead against Pedro Martinez, having won both previous encounters on clay.
The excitement continues to build as the Monte-Carlo Masters progresses, with key matches scheduled throughout the day. Viewers can catch all the action live on Sky Sports channels 201 and 203, as well as through streaming platforms like Sky Go and NOW.
With so much at stake and a lineup of talented players, the Monte-Carlo Masters is shaping up to be a thrilling event. As the competition heats up, tennis fans are in for a treat as they witness the drama and intensity of elite clay-court tennis unfold.
