The Monte-Carlo Masters: Cool facts and figures about the clay event

What’s cool and unique about the Monte-Carlo Masters, the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the year on clay? Quite a lot, as it happens.
It’s old
The first Monte-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: 11
Most consecutive titles: 8
Most finals: 12
Most consecutive finals: 9
Most matches played: 72
Most matches won: 68
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, a commune that borders on Monaco.
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…
This year the total prize money pool is €5,207,405.
…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.
Since Nadal made his debut in 2005, only two other players have managed to win the title at Monte-Carlo. Novak Djokovic in 2013 and 2015, and Stan Wawrinka in 2014.
Doubles fun…featuring Nadal and some famous brothers
Did you know that Nadal has won a doubles title in Monte-Carlo?
Back in 2008 he partnered with fellow Spaniard Tommy Robredo and they beat Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles in the final. And yes, he did win the “double” that year as he beat Roger Federer in the singles final.
This year we will see some interesting doubles pairings as Novak Djokovic and his brother Marko Djokovic have entered as well as Alexander Zverev and his brother Mischa.
However, the Djokovic and Zverev brothers will have to produce something special if they are going to beat the Bryan Brothers as Bob and Mike are the defending champions having won their sixth title last year.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Why is Roger Federer returning to clay, why did he stop, and what tournaments will he play?
-
Should David Ferrer’s sublime Miami showing prompt retirement rethink?
-
Can anyone knock Rafael Nadal off his clay-court perch this year?
-
T365 Recall: When Serena Williams cemented her greatness at the 2015 Miami Open
-
Storylines from the 2019 tennis season so far: Featuring Roger Federer, Bianca Andreescu and more
-
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios snaps back after being branded “evil” and “a bully” by Stefanos Tsitsipas
The main interview room at Wimbledon was…
-
News
Nick Kyrgios roadshow rumbles on at Wimbledon as he beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in bad-tempered thriller
Nick Kyrgios knocked out Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal sees off Lorenzo Sonego and insists there was nothing ‘spicy’ about net conversation
Rafael Nadal marches on at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek philosophical after her incredible streak ends with Wimbledon exit
Iga Swiatek seeing her glass as half full.
-
Wimbledon
Cameron Norrie on facing Tommy Paul at Wimbledon: ‘Good friends off the court, but it’s going to be a battle’
Norrie takes on his practice partner in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Alize Cornet after snapping Iga Swiatek’s 37-match winning streak: ‘Good wine always ages well’
Alize Cornet is aging like a fine wine as the veteran upset Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Amanda Anisimova sees off Coco Gauff at Wimbledon for ‘most special day of my career’
Gauff failed to make the fourth round on her third appearance at the Championships.
-
Wimbledon
Impressive Alex De Minaur ends Liam Broady’s Wimbledon journey in third round
World No132 joined compatriot Katie Boulter in bowing out on day six of the Championships.
-
Wimbledon
Katie Boulter ’emotionally drained’ as she admits Harmony Tan match was ‘one step too far for me’
It has been an emotional week for Boulter following the death of her grandmother.
-
Wimbledon
Tatjana Maria keeps daughter happy with Wimbledon run, but hopes to help next generation of WTA moms
The mum-of-two beat Maria Sakkari to secure a maiden fourth-round appearance at a major.