April 14-22, 2018 at legendary Monte-Carlo Country Club
On Thursday, March 22, 2018 on board yacht L’Excellence, in Paris, tournament director Zeljko Franulovic, unveiled the list of 45 tennis players for the 112th edition of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, organized from April 14-22, 2018 by SMETT (Societe Monegasque pour l’Exploitation du Tournoi de Tennis). This is the first major tournament of the European season to be played on the clay courts of the legendary Monte-Carlo Country Club, following the two first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 in the United States.
Ceremonial kick off with Rafael Nadal in the Atrium of the Casino
The ceremonial kick off and players’ draw will take place in the legendary Atrium of the Casino of Monte-Carlo, on Friday, April 13 at 18:30, in the presence of defending champion the Rafael Nadal. The Spanish conquered a 10th crown in 2017, after victories in Barcelona, Madrid and a 10th title in Roland-Garros plus a victory at the US Open. The Societe des Bains de Mer will honor this great champion by naming one of the suites at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort with his name. (Photo: Rafael Nadal in front of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco @Realis)
The best tennis gladiators will battle on clay
Apart from Spanish Rafael Nadal (No.2), other top seeded players will join in the mix, Croate Marin Cilic (No.3), Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov (No.4), German Alexander Zverev (No.5), Austrian Dominic Thiem (No.7), Belgian David Goffin (No.9), French Lucas Pouille (No.10), but also Serb Novak Djokovic (No.12). Also noticeable is Japanese Kei Nishikori (No.33) plus the Next Generation players.
On the French side, most of the players will be present including Adrian Mannarino, Richard Gasquet, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils. Seven qualifying players will be joining the official list, plus 4 wild cards, for a total of 56 players.
Click for current ATP World Tour ranking
Charity tennis exhibition
The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters will present a charity exhibition where the players will come to the net for the Prince Albert II Foundation, on Saturday, April 14 on Court Rainier III (Central Court), with the participation of the best players in the tournament, all concerned about the protection of the environment.
Entertainment on and off the courts
It will be an exciting week on the courts and the bleachers, with many animations, such as the Children’s Day, on Sunday, April 15, the traditional Grand Night of Tennis, in the Salle des Etoiles on Friday, April 20 at 20:30, or the very private evening for the players, that remains as exclusive event of this tournament for more than 60 years.
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Monaco Reporter 