The 2025 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters is set to captivate tennis fans as the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the clay-court season. Taking place from April 6 to April 13 at the picturesque Monte-Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, this tournament is a key stop on the road to Roland Garros. With its stunning Mediterranean backdrop and rich history dating back to 1896, the Monte-Carlo Masters is one of the most prestigious events on the ATP calendar.
Tournament Overview
Surface: Outdoor clay
Draw: 56-player singles field, with the top eight seeds receiving first-round byes
Prize Money: €6,128,940
Defending Champion: Stefanos Tsitsipas
The tournament is renowned for its challenging clay surface, which demands patience, precision, and endurance. Players will need to adapt to the slower pace and high bounce of the clay, making this event a true test of skill and strategy.
Key Players and Storylines
Carlos Alcaraz
The young Spanish sensation, ranked No. 3 in the world, enters the tournament looking to make a statement on his favorite surface. Alcaraz has an impressive 82% win rate on clay and is a two-time French Open champion. Despite a recent dip in form, including a loss at Indian Wells, Alcaraz is expected to be a top contender. He begins his campaign against the winner of Fabio Fognini and Francisco Cerundolo, with potential matchups against Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud in later rounds.
Stefanos Tsitsipas
The defending champion and three-time Monte-Carlo winner (2021, 2022, 2024) has a remarkable track record at this event. Tsitsipas thrives on the clay of Monte-Carlo, even though his overall clay-court record is less dominant. His ability to elevate his game at this venue makes him a formidable opponent.
Novak Djokovic
The 37-year-old Serbian legend is chasing his 100th career title and his first Monte-Carlo crown since 2015. Djokovic, seeded fourth, has a favorable draw and could face Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov in the early rounds. His experience and adaptability make him a perennial threat, even on clay.
Alexander Zverev
The top seed and world No. 2 is looking to regain his form after a challenging start to the season. Zverev faces a tough path, with potential matchups against Matteo Berrettini, Lorenzo Musetti, and Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals
Casper Ruud
The two-time French Open runner-up has struggled recently but will look to rediscover his form on clay. Ruud’s section of the draw includes Jack Draper, Ben Shelton, and Frances Tiafoe, making it one of the most open quarters.
Notable Absences
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will miss the tournament due to a doping suspension, leaving the field wide open for other top players to shine.
Predictions and Contenders
Favorites: Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Novak Djokovic
Dark Horses: Jack Draper, Andrey Rublev, Lorenzo Musetti
Potential Final: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas
