The 119th edition of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters kicked off in a unique way on Saturday morning in the heart of the Principality. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and World No. 4 Alexander Zverev played a game of mini tennis at the Maritime Station breakwater. The event was open to the public and attracted many fans, including numerous children, who had the chance to have their photo taken with the two tennis stars, along with Melanie-Antoinette de Massy, president of the Monegasque Tennis Federation and of the Monte-Carlo Country Club. There is no doubt that these young fans left the exhibition with stars in their eyes.
Goffin one step away from the main draw
On the first day of the tournament’s qualifying rounds, David Goffin secured a three-set victory. The Belgian, a former world No. 7, who will retire at the end of the season, is hoping to reach the main draw of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters once again, where he reached the semifinals in 2017 before being defeated by Rafael Nadal.
Gaël Monfils, who is also playing his final season on the ATP Tour, received a wild card to participate in the tournament one more time. The Frenchman is moved at the thought of competing again at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, which holds mostly fond memories for him. “My first time here was in 2005 against Rafa,” he recalls. “I’ve had a lot of memorable moments on this court. I beat Roger here. That was cool.”
Gaël Monfils will play his first-round match against Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor (ATP No. 30) on Sunday on Court Rainier III.
Sinner’s double challenge
On Sunday, the crowd will also get to see world No. 2 Jannik Sinner play his first-round doubles match alongside Belgian Zizou Bergs.
In singles, the Italian, who received a bye, will face a French player in the second round. Sinner’s opponent will be either Ugo Humbert or the young and promising Moïse Kouamé.
Jannik Sinner, who claimed his maiden Indian Wells title last month and completed the ‘Sunshine Double’ by also winning in Miami, is still looking for his first ATP Masters 1000 title on clay.
“I do like to play on clay, but it’s not my favourite surface,” Sinner said during his pre-tournament media conference on Saturday. “I do believe I can play some good tennis.”
Should he win the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, the Italian would reclaim the world No. 1 ranking.
“I’m aware of that, but it will take more than one tournament to define who will be world No. 1 and No. 2 this year. When you’re a top player, your goal is to win trophies,” the Italian insisted.
His biggest rival, Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion and world No. 1, will hold his media round table on Monday.
