Rolex Monte Carlo Masters Preview: Alcaraz, Tsitsipas Lead a Stacked Field on the Clay

The Rolex Monte Carlo Masters is here, and the 2025 edition promises clay-court drama at its finest.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Monaco, this ATP 1000 event is a proving ground for the world’s best as they gear up for Roland Garros.

This year’s field is loaded with past champions, rising stars, and a handful of Americans looking to make history.

Let’s break it down.

2025 Rolex Monte Carlo Masters Main Draw

Past Champions Ready to Reign Again

Three former Monte Carlo champions are back to reclaim the crown:  

Stefanos Tsitsipas (2021, 2022, 2024): The Greek star has made Monte Carlo his playground, winning three of the last four titles. His heavy topspin and silky one-handed backhand perfectly fit these slow clay courts.  

Andrey Rublev (2023): Rublev’s 2023 triumph proved he can dominate on clay with his booming forehand. Marat Safin’s now on the bag, and maybe he can get the best from his younger Russian charge.  

Novak Djokovic (2013, 2015): The Serbian legend has two Monte Carlo titles. Clay may not be his best surface, but you can never count out Novak’s grit and experience.

Stan Wawrinka (2014): The 40-year-old Swiss great received a Wild Card after falling in the first round of the qualies. Stan the Man boasts a 64-44 lifetime Masters clay court record and 22-13 in this event.

The Rolex Monte Carlo Masters Favorites

Here’s who’s leading the pack:  

Alexander Zverev: Zverev’s consistency on clay and 61-19 record on this surface makes him a top contender. His serve and backhand down the line will keep him in every match. He’s struggled with consistency since Melbourne and has a difficult path to a possible quarter with Tsitsipas.

Carlos Alcaraz: The Spanish sensation is a clay-court beast with a 16-4 career clay-court Masters record. The reigning French Open champ and 2024 silver medalist has the speed, power, and creativity that make him a nightmare on this surface.  

Casper Ruud: The 2024 Rolex Monte Carlo Masters finalist boasts a career 32-16 Masters 1000 record on the dirt. Ruud’s heavy forehand and grinding style have produced a 10-5 mark, and his consecutive Rolex Monte Carlo Masters semifinal appearances and 14-8 record in Monaco make him dangerous.

Stefanos Tsitsipas: The Greek’s Monte Carlo record speaks for itself. He’s the man to beat and 9-2 in Masters 1000 clay court events in 2024. He’s in Zverev’s quarter, but there isn’t a man in the draw that he can’t beat here.

Don’t Sleep on These Rolex Monte Carlo Masters Dark Horses

While the favorites are strong, these players could shake things up:  

Novak Djokovic: The dangerous two-time champ with unmatched mental toughness is coming off his best tour result since 2024. Djokovic is 137-36 lifetime on the dirt at this level. He has a terrific draw with a potential second-round meeting with 40-year-old Wawrinka. 

Holger Rune: A 2023 finalist and 2024 quarterfinalist, the 21-year-old Danish firecracker is 16-9 in clay court Masters events. He’ll open up against Nuno Borges while Tsitsipas potentially awaits in the third.

Francisco Cerundolo: He’s been hot everywhere, but his draw is ugly. He’s 0-2 against potential second-round opponent Alcaraz, but he is playing better than his Spanish contemporary.

Can TEAM USA End its 69-Year Monte Carlo Drought?

It’s been 69 years since Hugh Stewart lifted the Monte Carlo trophy in 1956, but five Americans are in the main draw to challenge that drought:  

Ben Shelton: Shelton is an entertainer with a big hammer. He opens with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and possibly Jack Draper in the Round of 16.

Frances Tiafoe: Tiafoe’s speed and flair can shine on clay, but he’s been inconsistent since the US Open. His draw is nice his run in Houston and the subsequent jet-lag could leave him flat. 

Sebastian Korda: Korda’s smooth all-around game fits clay well. Injuries have slowed his enormous potential. A possible fourth-rounder with Zverev awaits the young American.  

Brandon Nakashima: Nakashima’s a fighter, and his steady baseline play suits the surface, but he’s up against the heavyweights. He opens with Roberto Bautista Agut, with Ruud waiting in round two.

No confidence in any of these guys at the moment.

Two Rolex Monte Carlo Masters Sleepers to Watch

Keep an eye on these under-the-radar threats:  

Arthur Fils: The young Frenchman has a big game and a flair for clay. Fils will have some local support but could face Rublev in the Round of 16 and Alcaraz or Cerundolo in the quarters.

Sebastian Baez: The Argentine is one of the best clay courters in the world. He has a terrific draw, and if he gets hot, he can grind this field into the dust.

Break out the Popcorn

These Rolex Monte Carlo Masters first-round matchups should be highly entertaining slugfests.

Jiri Lehecka vs. Sebastian Korda

Lorenzo Sonego vs. Pedro Martinez

Nicolas Jarry vs. Grigor Dimitrov

Daniil Medvedev vs. Karen Khachanov

Tomas Machac vs. Sebastian Baez

Stan Wawrinka vs. Alejandro Tabilo

Tomas Machac vs. Sebastian Baez

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs. Ben Shelton

Tallon Griekspoor vs. Arthur Fils

Crush and Rush Podcast Previews Rolex Monte Carlo Masters

Who will lift the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters Trophy? Will an American breakthrough? And where should you place your bets? Phil Naessens and Craig Doyle are diving deep on the Crush and Rush Tennis Podcast!

Expect bold predictions, insider insights, and some hot betting tips you won’t want to miss. Listen below!

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