The 2017 edition of the Monte Carlo Masters will not have Roger Federer, but it will be loaded with intrigue because of the presence of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in a clay-court event, as the Road to Roland Garros begins in earnest. The past two weeks have involved clay events, but of a very minor level of stature. This is the first true centerpiece event which begins the path to the French Open. Nadal has owned Monte Carlo for most of the past decade, and he is the defending champion at this tournament. Djokovic is coming off injury-based rest. He might be rusty, but if his body is right, he and Nadal have a good chance of renewing their epic rivalry and building expectations for a possible clash in Paris in early June.
The competition in the 56-player main draw began on Sunday, April 16. Here is a look at how we see the event playing out.
Event Details
Event: Monte Carlo Masters
Category: ATP World Tour – Masters 1000
Date: April 16 – 23, 2016
Location: Monte Carlo Country Club – Roquebrune-Cap Martin, France
With a prize money allotment of over 4.27 million Euros, this Masters tournament is very competitive with other Masters 1000 events on the ATP Tour. The inconvenient part about this tournament is that it comes so soon after the Indian Wells-Miami swing. Some hardcourt players who lack clay expertise might not feel the need to travel to Monte Carlo. Roger Federer is resting so that he can regroup for the grass season and preserve his body in his older age. Some players will feel like they haven’t had an adequate clay court warmup for an event like this.
However, any of the inconveniences associated with Monte Carlo are minimized by the prize money and, just as much, by the fact that this is one of the most scenic and gorgeous locations for a tennis tournament anywhere in the world. The French coastline (the event is technically in France, despite the Monte Carlo name and the presence of Monaco’s royal family at the event) offers a stunning visual which is hard for a lot of players to turn down. Few tour stops are as enjoyable, making this a destination event for many pros.
Points
Champion – 1,000
Runner-up – 600
Semifinal – 360
Quarterfinal – 180
Round of 16 – 90
Round of 32 – 45
Former Champions and Results (5 Years)
Year Champion Runner-up Score
2016: Rafael Nadal def. Gael Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0
2015: Novak Djokovic def. Tomas Berdych 7-5, 4-6, 6-3
2014: Stan Wawrinka def. Roger Federer 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2
2013: Novak Djokoviv def Rafael Nadal 6-2, 7-6(1)
2012: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-1
Player Info:
Andy Murray is the top seed in Monte Carlo but hasn’t played like one since his ascension to the top of the world rankings. His only title of the season came in Dubai, where he didn’t have to face any top-10 opponents. Murray bowed out way earlier than anyone expected in Indian Wells, losing to Vasek Pospisil in the second round. Since that loss, Murray hasn’t played any competitive matches. And don’t forget, he was a big disappointment at the Australian Open.
Monte Carlo is his next stop but he has historically struggled in this part of the world. He may be the top seed and has improved on clay, but he still isn’t the favorite for the title. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he reaches the semifinals, but if he goes any further in his comeback tournament, he will have exceeded expectations.
Like Murray, even Novak Djokovic has struggled to get going this season. He is easily the best player of the decade, but this season has been nothing but ordinary. A player of his caliber is expected to turn around, but there still isn’t a sign of when it’ll happen. Djokovic has won the title in Monte Carlo a couple of times and is the one who dethroned Nadal in 2013. Like Murray, he hasn’t played an ATP tournament since Indian Wells and his fitness remains a slight concern. The good news for the Serb is Nick Kyrgios is not in the draw, but if he is to win, he’ll have to go through Nadal, who is playing some fabulous tennis at the moment. Djokovic isn’t expected to win in his comeback tournament, and the way things have unfolded in the last few months, another early exit is possible.
Stan Wawrinka has won here in the principality, but he has been vulnerable to upsets. In his run to the finals in Indian Wells, Wawrinka didn’t only show shotmaking skills but also the will to win in an ugly fashion. Clay remains his best surface and there will be times when he’ll have to dig in hard. He looks prepared for such instances, and that’s what makes him dangerous. Wawrinka isn’t the top favorite but he isn’t too far behind.
Rafael Nadal doesn’t dominate the clay swing like he used to, but he is still a formidable force. Nadal was hardly at his best last season but won Monte Carlo for the ninth time. Yes, he didn’t have to beat Novak Djokovic, but overcoming Wawrinka and Murray in back to back matches is a no mean feat. Nadal is the firm favorite for the title again and it is hard to see anyone stopping him. Funny things happen in tennis, but they rarely happen to Nadal on clay. The good news for Nadal is that both Djokovic and Murray are struggling and he won’t have to face Federer, who has beaten him thrice this year. If Nadal can reach multiple hardcourt finals, imagine the damage he can cause on clay. It’s a frightening prospect.
The Monte Carlo Country Club
The Monte Carlo Country Club is the proud host of this tournament, which began in 1897 and is therefore one of the oldest tournaments other than the four major championships. The club is nestled into mountains overlooking the Mediterranian Sea. The facility has multiple show courts, including a stadium court with expansive bleachers on the sidelines. Seating behind each baseline is relatively limited, but seats to the north end of the court have loge and covered areas as part of the club’s luxurious accommodations for its high-end clientele.
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