Sinner and Zverev Lead the Charge at the 119th Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters
The 119th Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters has arrived in the Principality, blending the high-pressure intensity of elite singles with an unusually star-studded doubles draw. From exhibition matches on the Monaco waterfront to the red clay of the Monte-Carlo Country Club, the tournament has opened with a focus on both fan engagement and the pursuit of clay-court dominance.
For Jannik Sinner, the event represents more than just another Masters 1000. The Italian is chasing his first ATP Masters 1000 title on clay, while simultaneously working to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking. To sharpen his game and entertain the crowds, Sinner is stepping away from the singles baseline to compete in the doubles draw, joining forces with Belgian Zizou Bergs.
Waterfront Magic: Mini-Tennis in the Heart of Monaco
Before the competitive intensity ramped up, the tournament kicked off with a lighter touch on Saturday morning, April 4. In a move to enchant local fans and inspire the next generation, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev stepped off the clay and onto the Maritime Station breakwater for a lively mini-tennis exhibition.
The event, attended by Melanie-Antoinette de Massy, president of the Monte-Carlo Country Club and the Monegasque Tennis Federation, saw the two stars engaging with crowds of children and fans in the heart of Monaco. This “twist” on the traditional tournament opening served as a bridge between the elite professional circuit and the local community before the players transitioned to the rigorous demands of the main draw.
Sinner’s Doubles Experiment
While Sinner is a powerhouse in singles, his foray into the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters doubles draw is a strategic and recreational venture. Partnering with Zizou Bergs, Sinner faces a challenging opening match against the pairing of Tomas Machac and Casper Ruud.
This marks Sinner’s second doubles appearance of the 2026 season. His previous attempt came at Indian Wells, where he suffered a first-round exit alongside Reilly Opelka. By competing in doubles, Sinner gains additional rhythm on the clay, a surface where he is seeking a breakthrough title.
A Singles-Heavy Doubles Draw
The doubles field this year is notable for its “elite singles firepower,” featuring several players who typically prioritize the singles trophy. Alexander Zverev, currently ranked world No. 4, enters the draw with significant momentum. Zverev recently secured a title in Acapulco in March alongside Marcelo Melo, and the pair will reunite in Monte-Carlo.
Zverev and Melo open their campaign against Luke Johnson and Jan Zielinski. Should they advance, they are slated to meet the top seeds, Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos, in the second round.
Other high-profile singles players making their mark in the doubles draw include:
- Alex de Minaur and Cameron Norrie: Facing Italian wild cards Matteo Berrettini and Andrea Vavassori, with third seeds Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten waiting in the second round.
- Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov: The duo, who won the Madrid title together in 2023, will face Czechs Jiri Lehecka and Jakub Mensik. Lehecka enters the tournament with high confidence after reaching the singles final in Miami.
- Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech: The Monegasque cousins are leading local hopes. After reaching the final in Indian Wells in March, they face fifth seeds Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic in the first round.
The Final Chapters: Monfils and Goffin
Amidst the chase for titles, the tournament likewise serves as a poignant backdrop for veterans entering the twilight of their careers. Gaël Monfils, competing in his final ATP Tour season, received a wild card to return to a venue where he has a storied history. Monfils previously defeated Roger Federer in Monte-Carlo and faced Rafael Nadal during his first appearance here in 2005.
On Sunday, April 5, Monfils is scheduled to step onto Court Rainier III to face the Dutch contender Tallon Griekspoor, currently ranked ATP No. 30.
Similarly, David Goffin is battling through the qualifying rounds in hopes of one last run in the main draw before retirement. The former world No. 7, who reached the semifinals in Monte-Carlo in 2017, fought through three sets on the opening day of qualifying to keep his hopes alive.
Tournament Outlook and Key Matchups
As the event progresses, the focus will shift from the novelty of the doubles draw and exhibition matches to the grueling nature of the singles competition. Sinner, Zverev, and Carlos Alcaraz remain the primary figures to watch as they chase clay-court success.
For the global tennis community, the 119th edition of this event highlights the unique atmosphere of Monaco—where the glamour of the port meets the tactical precision of the clay court.
Quick Reference: Key Sunday Schedule (April 5, 2026)
| Player(s) | Opponent(s) | Event/Court |
|---|---|---|
| Gaël Monfils | Tallon Griekspoor | Singles – Court Rainier III |
| Jannik Sinner / Zizou Bergs | Tomas Machac / Casper Ruud | Doubles – First Round |
| Alexander Zverev / Marcelo Melo | Luke Johnson / Jan Zielinski | Doubles – First Round |
The next confirmed checkpoint for fans will be the results of Gaël Monfils’ opening match against Tallon Griekspoor and the outcome of Sinner’s doubles debut with Zizou Bergs.
Do you think playing doubles helps singles stars like Sinner identify their rhythm on clay, or is it a distraction from the main goal? Let us know in the comments.
