Is the Monte Carlo Masters for men only?
The Monte Carlo Masters is an ATP 1000 event held in the French Commune of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin which borders the Principality of Monaco.
At this time there is no WTA Tour stop at any level at the Monte Carlo Country Club.
The Masters tag is only officially used by the men’s tour, while the women’s events of equivalent level are simply called WTA 1000.
There have been calls for the WTA Tour to add a stop at the famous clay court venue.
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There were historic women’s tournaments held at the famous club, but none on the WTA Tour itself.
The Monte-Carlo Masters is non-mandatory event and is played over one week, currently slotted to take place in the second week of April.
In 2023 the tournament is set to feature 18 of the top 20 men on the ATP Tour with only an injured Rafael Nadal and compatriot Carlos Alcaraz absent.
That means that Nadal will miss out on a chance to win a record-extending 12th title at the Monte Carlos Masters.
Nadal’s win percentage at the venue is bettered only by his returns at Roland Garros but despite tournament director David Massey’s declaration that the Spaniard was entered he is not yet ready to return to competitive tennis.
Monegasque wildcard Valentin Vacherot will be the lone shot at the ATP Masters event finally getting a home winner.
Meanwhile Novak Djokovic has been made favourite as he bids to win the title in Monte Carlo for the third time in his career.
Another player out for a third title in 2023 is two-time defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Gael Monfils’ withdrawal has also reduced the French contingent at the upcoming tournament.
The “Art Deco” style Club House built in 1928 and Pavillon des Pins and Pavillon de la Bergerie lend a particular architectural charm to the Masters event.
The Monte-Carlo Country Club is affiliated to both the Monegasque and French tennis federations, although technically its grounds are on French soil just 150 metres from the border with Monaco.
H.S.H. Prince Louis II commissioned the construction of the club in its current location in 1925 in a bid to increase tourism.
Monte Carlo Masters records
Most Titles, Singles: Rafael Nadal (11)
Most Titles, Doubles: Mike Bryan, (6)
Oldest Champion: Nicola Pietrangeli, 34, in 1968
Youngest Champion: Mats Wilander, 18, in 1983
Highest-Ranked Champion: No. 1 Bjorn Borg in 1979-80, Ivan Lendl in 1988, Rafael Nadal in 2009, 2011, 2018, Novak Djokovic in 2013, 2015
Lowest-Ranked Champion: No. 49 Andrew Pattison in 1974
Last Home Champion: None
Most Match Wins: Rafael Nadal ( 73)
READ MORE: Facing Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros is still the stiffest task in tennis
