The 2016 edition of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters is just about here, and the tennis world is buzzing with anticipation. A number of happenings on the ATP Tour this season have created a less than fully dramatic progression through the hardcourt season. As the tour moves to clay, there’s a lot of drama to be found. First of all, Roger Federer returns from injury and illness to take part in his first tournament since the Australian Open. Second, Rafael Nadal will try to win a Masters tournament on clay, something he failed to do last year. Third, Andy Murray – after two early losses in Indian Wells and Miami – wants to play well again. So much is on the table here, and Monte Carlo knows all about gambling for big stakes.
The competition in the 56-player main draw began on Sunday, April 10.
Event Details
Event: Monte Carlo Rolex Masters
Category: ATP World Tour – Masters 1000
Date: April 10 – 17, 2016
Location: Monte Carlo Country Club – Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
With a prize money allotment of just under 3.75 million Euros and an overall financial commitment of just over 4 million Euros, the Monte Carlo purse is substantial, as one would expect from a Masters tournament. The prize money is not the big object here, though. Rankings points are the real attraction. Consider that Federer and Murray have not collected very many points. They are behind in the race for London and the eight-player World Tour Finals. They and Nadal need to gain in the race for that year-end tournament. A title would be great, but even a semifinal would be an important boost relative to the rest of the competition.
The points structure under the ATP system is that the championship means 1,000 points. A runner-up finish is worth 600. A semifinal result is 360 points, and a quarterfinal appearance offers 180 points. A round-of-16 results provides 90 points, a round-of-32 showing 45 points.
Former Champions and Results (5 Years)
Year Champion Runner-up Score
2015 – Novak Djokovic def. Tomas Berdych – 7-5, 4-6, 6-3
2014 – Stan Wawrinka def. Roger Federer – 4-6, 7-6, 6-2
2013 – Novak Djokovic def. Rafael Nadal – 6-2, 7-6
2012 – Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic – 6-3, 6-1
2011 – Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer – 6-4, 7-5
Player Info:
This is such a big event on its own terms in any year, but it’s especially big this year because all the big guys are around: Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – they’re all here. There’s not much else to say. It’s time for the big dogs to run on the coast of France and show their best stuff.
All eyes will be on Djokovic, who has now clearly emerged as the cream of the crop on the men’s side. In the last handful of years, he has had to contend with the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray for the top spot – or at least faced a challenge from them. Nowadays, all of those players are a clear step behind. Federer is in the twilight of his career and has been battling injuries this year, Murray has taken a step back and Nadal has taken a huge step back because of wear and tear. This tournament will be Djokovic’s to lose and barring some unforeseen circumstances, he should be hoisting the trophy at the end of it. Consider that the world’s No. 1 on the men’s side has won 28 of his 29 matches so far this season while playing all of his matches on the hard surface. We’ll see what he can do on clay, though, as we move into that part of the calendar.
Monte Carlo Country Club
The Monte Carlo Country Club is, quite simply, the most beautiful setting for a tennis tournament anywhere in the world. Located right on the waterfront, the backdrop to the main stadium court is more breathtaking than any other tennis setting. Wimbledon is a powerfully historic place for a tournament, but Monte Carlo is easily the most picturesque. It’s little wonder that this tournament has lasted as long as it has, and that it’s popular with players and fans alike.
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