First ATP Masters 1000 event on clay of 2026

The Rolex Monte Carlo Masters is the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the year on clay, which usually throws up fun storylines from the get go.

The quick transition from the hard courts of Miami to the clay of Monaco can take some adjusting. The changes in bounce, speed, movement and physicality all require a unique skillset and with some players only having one week to prepare, it can leave the door wide open.

Last year, three of the four top seeds – Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud – all went out in the first three rounds.

Recent champions have also included three-time winner Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev and Fabio Fognini.

Could we see a first time champion, a new rising star or a player's return to form? Look for this year’s event to set the tone for yet another exciting clay court season on the ATP Tour.

British doubles stars set sights on silverware

The Brits have continued to be the dominant force in doubles this year and will look to start the clay court swing with more silverware.

Henry Patten and partner Harri Heliovaara have won three  titles already this season and made the Miami Open final – but haven’t won a trophy on clay since 2024.

Australian Open champions Neal Skupski and Christian Harrison will hope to recapture their form in Monte Carlo – a tournament that Skupski made the final of with Dan Evans in 2021.

Last year’s runners-up and year-end world No.1 team Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool have their sights set on going one further this time around but are yet to pick up a title in 2026 so far.

Joe Salisbury, Tim Henman and Roger Taylor are the only Brits to win the doubles title in Monte Carlo - could we see another British name on the trophy this year?

Norrie to take advantage of familiar territory?

British No.1 Cam Norrie could have a slight advantage when it comes to playing at Monte Carlo. It’s a club he trains at regularly and knows the courts very well.

After his exit in Miami, Norrie has been able to get a good training stint in on the Monaco clay and could be set for a strong run.

The 30-year-old has had success on the clay before – winning two of his five titles on the surface, including Rio de Janeiro where he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

Norrie recently regained the top spot in the British rankings and is now back inside the top 25. His recent form in Monte Carlo hasn’t been at the level he would want, but with a growing level of confidence and more practice on the clay, that could be about to change this year.

The battle for world No.1 hots up

Heading into the Sunshine Double, world No.1 Alcaraz had been the dominant force on the ATP Tour, outperforming his fierce rival Jannik Sinner.

After an unbeaten start to the year, winning the Australian Open and Doha title, Alcaraz seemed untouchable, but in Indian Wells and Miami, Sinner caught fire.

The Italian became the first player to complete the Sunshine Double without dropping a set – adding this year’s Indian Wells and Miami Open titles to his already impressive resume.

The duo are still yet to face each other this season and are yet to meet in Monte Carlo – could this be the tournament that supercharges the rivalry for the rest of the season?

One of the greatest settings in tennis

The Rolex Monte Carlo Masters is renowned for being one of the most unique and eye-catching tournaments in the tennis calendar.

Set to the backdrop of sunshine and the coast of the French Riviera, there’s arguably no better place to watch your favourite tennis stars go head-to-head.

Kick-starting over the bank holiday weekend in Great Britain as well, what better way to enjoy the start of the clay court season.