Top five contenders for Monte-Carlo Masters glory as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz lead clay-court charge

With the Sunshine Double and the month of March now behind us, the tennis world shifts its focus to the European clay-court swing. Following an initial week of adjustment, the first major stop on the calendar is the prestigious Monte Carlo Masters 1000. Below, we analyze the top five contenders for the title, along with a few dark horses who could make a deep run.

Carlos Alcaraz: The Man to Beat

With Jannik Sinner absent and having exited Miami earlier than expected, Carlos Alcaraz enters Monte Carlo as the leading favorite. After an up-and-down start to the season, the Spaniard will be eager to reassert his dominance on clay—a surface where he has already proven to be a force. Despite limited experience in Monte Carlo, Alcaraz will be rested and motivated to claim his sixth Masters 1000 title.

Casper Ruud: Time to Respond

A finalist last year in Monte Carlo, Casper Ruud has endured a difficult start to 2025, showing little of the form that once made him a top-5 regular. But with a hefty number of points to defend during the clay season, the Norwegian will need to bounce back quickly to avoid a significant drop in the rankings. Clay has always been his strength, and now is the time to prove it once again.

He also excelled in Barcelona and won Geneva so the onus now is on the Norwegian to find that form again and win in Monte-Carlo. He has also decidingly snubbed playing warm-ups this week despite perhaps being good points opportunities in Bucharest and Marrakech in order to seemingly get ready for the coming weeks.

Read also

Tournament Centre Monte-Carlo Masters 2025: Schedule, Draw, Results, Prize Money and TV Guide

Stefanos Tsitsipas: The Prince of Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo has become a personal playground for Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has lifted the trophy here three times. Last year, he defeated Ruud in the final and even handed Jannik Sinner one of his rare losses, showcasing just how well his game suits the Monegasque conditions. Whether in top form or not, Tsitsipas is always a threat in the Principality.

He won Dubai recently as well and undergone a renaissance so how does that stack up this time around in Monte-Carlo.

Novak Djokovic: Building Toward Paris

Living just minutes from the Monte Carlo Country Club, Novak Djokovic traditionally begins his clay campaign here. His Miami performance showed promising signs of rhythm and physical readiness, and few adapt faster to new surfaces than the 24-time Grand Slam champion. As always, he must be taken seriously—especially as he gears up for a potential title run at Roland Garros.

He also has taken the move to enter multiple tournaments this time with Madrid also on his calendar for the first time in many a year something that ordinarily he snubs. So he is certainly taking it seriously.

Taylor Fritz: The American Outsider

Often overlooked on clay, Taylor Fritz has quietly put together solid results on the surface, particularly in the best-of-three format. Skipping Houston after a semifinal showing in Miami, Fritz arrives in Monte Carlo fresh and ready to test himself against the world's best. While not a natural clay-courter, his recent form and improved movement could make him a surprise package.

Other Names to Watch

While the spotlight shines on the favorites, a host of other players could make waves in Monaco.

• Jack Draper and Jakub Mensik, champions of Indian Wells and Miami respectively, are brimming with confidence. Though not clay specialists, their momentum makes them intriguing prospects.
• Francisco Cerúndolo, with his natural clay-court instincts, could thrive here, as could Lorenzo Musetti, whose elegant game flourishes in slower conditions.
• Arthur Fils, a former Roland Garros junior champion, continues his rapid rise and could surprise if fit.
• Andrey Rublev, the 2023 champion, knows what it takes to win here.
• And don’t forget Holger Rune, a previous finalist, whose explosive style has already brought him close to the title.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe