Monte Carlo Masters: Facts and stats ahead of the start of the tournament

ATP Tour

What’s cool and unique about the Monte Carlo Masters? Quite a lot, as it happens.

It’s old
The first Monet Carlo Masters was played in 1897, although much debate exists over the location of the first tournament.

It used to be dominated by the Brits…
The first Monte Carlo Masters was won by a Brit. Reggie Doherty, a four-time Wimbledon champion, won six of the first 10 events.

The only person who could actually stop him was his younger brother, Laurence, who won the other four.

It’s now dominated by a Spaniard…
Rafael Nadal holds seven records at the tournament:

Most titles: 10
Most cosecutive titles: 8
Most finals: 11
Most consecutive finals: 9
Most matches played: 60
Most matches won: 56
Most consecutive wins: 46

His next target could be the most editions of the tournament played, which is currently held by Frenchman Fabrice Santoro with 17.

But it’s never been dominated by the French
Interestingly, only one Frenchman has ever won the Monte Carlo Masters. That was Cedric Pioline, who scored a straight sets victory over Domnik Hrbaty in 2000.

It was cool enough to tempt Bjorn Borg back
Bjorn Borg made his first comeback attempt at the Monte Carlo Masters in 1991 after 10 years away from tennis.

Unfit, out-of-practice, and still using a small wooden racquet, he explained: “You know, the thing was I just wanted to play tennis again.

“After I retired I did not play much for seven or eight years. In 1991, I decided to come to play Monte Carlo.

“It was a big tournament. I was living in Monte Carlo. I played no practice, no exhibitions, I just kind of turned up.”

He played a warm up against a very young Goran Ivanisevic but lost in straight sets to Jordi Arrese.

It’s not actually in Monte Carlo
Although called the Monte Carlo Masters, it is actually located in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.

Although, just like everything else there, it has connections to Hollywood
The showpiece court at the Monte Carlo Country Club has seating for 10,200 fans, and it is named after Rainier III, who ruled Monaco for over 50 years and was married to iconic American actress Grace Kelly.

It’s a tournament with a view
The tournament is help over eight days and 11 clay courts – all of which overlook the sea.

It’s a tournament you really want to win…

In 2018, players will play for a share of nearly 5million EURO in prize money, with €820,035 going to the winner.

…if Rafa will let you!

Monte Carlo forms a triad of clay Masters tournaments, with the others being held in Rome and Madrid.

In 2010, Rafael Nadal swept them all before going to the clay of Roland Garros and winning there too.

ATP Tour Monte Carlo Masters Rafael Nadal

Latest