The European clay court season will officially get underway at the Monte Carlo Masters. A prestigious tournament that is celebrating its 112th birthday. Held at the Monte Carlo Country Club, the tournament itself isn’t actually located in Monte Carlo or Monaco. Instead, it is held in the French province of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
As the first major event in the build up to the French Open, the usual suspects will be hoping to gain some momentum. Meanwhile, other players will be hoping to secure a breakthrough similar to that of John Isner in Miami.
Here are the four stories to follow during the tournament.
Can Djokovic turn it around?
After what has been as challenging start to the year, Monte Carlo provides Novak Djokovic with a platform to get back on track. Even if the draw has been less than kind to him. Seeded ninth in this year’s tournament, the Serbian could potentially face Borna Coric and Dominic Thiem. Should he make it to the quarter-finals, awaiting him could be world No.1 Rafael Nadal.
Heading into his first clay court event of the season, Djokovic has enlisted the help of former long-term coach Marian Vajda. The two separated on mutual grounds in 2017. After losing both of his opening matches in Indian Wells and Miami, Djokovic is seeking his first tour win since Melbourne and only his fourth this year.
Despite the lull in form after what has been a lengthy injury absence, few can doubt the ability of the 30-year-old. Who is the first player in history to earn $20 million in prize money within a season. At Monte Carlo he is a two-time champion, winning 30 out of 39 matches played at the event since 2006.
Will this year’s event be the trigger for Djokovic’s resurgence back to the top?
I wanted to share something simple I always try to remember. No matter how good you are at something, there is always more to learn, more to improve, more to explore… so keep your head in the game. I know I gotta keep mine. Monaco bound! #idemo #letsgo pic.twitter.com/BboyW8BwOa
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) April 12, 2018
Can the Next Gen shine on clay?
There are currently ten players in the top 100 aged 21 and under. Heading those is Alexander Zverev, who will be seeded third in the draw. The German is already a two-time Masters 1000 champion. Making him the only player outside of the ‘big four’ to win multiple titles in the category since it was introduced back in 2009.
Borna Coric has displayed signs that he is finally living up to high expectations with a series of convincing wins over Jack Sock, Kevin Anderson and Roberto Bautista Agut in recent weeks. The Croat now finds himself at a ranking high of 28th. Making him a tough second round competitor for Djokovic.
Other potential rising stars to look out include Hyeon Chung. Last year at the French Open he took Kei Nishikori to five sets before going out in the third round. Denis Shapovalov, who is unseeded in Monte Carlo, also has the ability to pose a threat to his higher ranked opponents in his section.
The last player under the age of 21 to win the title was Nadal back in 2008.
Will another first-timer win?
This year has already seen Juan Martin del Potro and John Isner win their first Masters title. Given the recent trend, some are wondering if other players could step up too. 24-year-old Dominic Thiem is a danger on the clay providing he is fully fit. He has already won seven ATP titles on the dirt and is a two-time French Open semifinalist. Thiem’s recent injury absence from the tour isn’t ideal preparation, but it might just add fuel to the fire.
Pablo Carreno Busta is a player that can be easily underestimated on the tour. After a sluggish start to the year, last month he reached the quarterfinals in Indian Wells followed by the semifinals in Miami. It was almost 12 months ago where he secured a breakthrough on the tour by defeating Milos Raonic on route to the quarter-finals in Roland Garros. The Spaniard has also played four out of his six ATP finals on the clay.
Other players bidding for their first Masters title include David Goffin and Lucas Pouille.
Masters titles of the top eight seeds
Rafael Nadal – 30
Marin Cilic – 1
Alexander Zverev – 2
Grigor Dimitrov – 1
Dominic Thiem – 0 (runner-up in Madrid, 2017)
David Goffin – 0 (three-time semifinalist)
Lucas Pouille – 0 (two-time semifinalist)
Pablo Carreno Busta – 0 (two-time semifinalist)
Can Rafael Nadal live up to expectations?
As the declared ‘king of clay,’ Rafael Nadal has a lot on pressure on his shoulders. From now until the end of the French Open he has a total of 4680 points to defend on the tour. Twice more than anybody else in the top 10. Last year in Monte Carlo he won an historic tenth title with a one-sided win over Albert Ramos Vinolas.
Nadal’s build up to the tour has been far from smooth. A hip injury sidelined him from action for almost two months. Meaning that Monte Carlo will only be his second ATP tournament of the season. Despite this, he is still the man to watch. Especially given his performance in last weekend’s Davis Cup that saw him dismantle Zverev with ease in straight sets.
With a potential showdown against Djokovic looming, Nadal will be eager to establish his grip on the tour. The question is can he deliver?
