Monte Carlo Masters: Key Developments as the Tournament Begins
The wider picture
The Monte-Carlo Masters is a significant tournament in the ATP calendar, marking the start of the European clay-court season. This prestigious event, held at the Monte Carlo Country Club, attracts the world’s best players, setting the stage for intense competition. The 2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters runs from April 5 to April 12, featuring a mix of qualifying matches, singles main-draw action, and doubles.
As the tournament kicks off, Jannik Sinner is teaming with Zizou Bergs in doubles on April 5. Sinner, who has recently completed the Sunshine Double with victories at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, is looking to build on his momentum. He has a chance to usurp Carlos Alcaraz at the top of the world rankings if he secures the title in Monte Carlo.
Carlos Alcaraz enters the tournament as the top seed, having won the event in 2025. The competition is fierce, with players like Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev also in contention. The daily start time for matches is set for 11am CET, providing ample opportunity for fans to catch the action.
Recent champions of the Monte-Carlo Masters include Alcaraz in 2025 and Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2024, showcasing the tournament’s history of elite competitors. The tournament is being streamed on the Tennis Channel in the US, while in Australia, it is exclusive to beIN Sports, which offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
In addition to the main draw, qualifying matches are also taking place, with top seed Ethan Quinn competing for a place in the main draw. Veteran player David Goffin is attempting to join fellow veterans Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils in the main draw for their farewell appearances in Monte-Carlo. This adds an emotional layer to the tournament as these players look to leave their mark one last time.
Observers note that the ‘Sincaraz’ duopoly, referring to Sinner and Alcaraz, have each taken two tournaments this season, highlighting their dominance in the current ATP landscape. With Sinner’s 34 sets won at Masters 1000 events, he is a formidable opponent for anyone in the draw.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the matches unfold. The schedule includes Round 1 from April 5-7, leading up to the final on April 12. The excitement surrounding the Monte Carlo Masters is palpable, with expectations high for thrilling matches and potential upsets.
In the United States, the Tennis Channel is the exclusive home of the Monte-Carlo Masters 2026, with a monthly subscription cost of $11. For Canadian viewers, TSN Plus offers coverage at a monthly cost of $8. In New Zealand, Disney+ provides access at $16.99 per month. As the tournament unfolds, fans are eager to see who will emerge victorious in this iconic event.