Geneva, 5 April 2022 – As the clay-court season gathers momentum, the elite of men’s tennis will gather in the Principality of Monaco from 9–17 April to contest the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, which notably celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. Located on the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, the Monte-Carlo Country Club plays host to one of the most glamourous occasions on the tour calendar. Rolex has been the Official Timekeeper of this prestigious event since 2006.

The brand’s association with tennis dates back to 1978 when it became Official Timekeeper of The Championships, Wimbledon, the sport’s oldest and most revered tournament. Since then, the Swiss watchmaker has become a strong presence in the game globally, including being Official Timekeeper at all four Grand Slam^® tournaments.

The relationship extends to some of the greatest players to have graced the court, including Roger Federer, Chris Evert and Björn Borg, who lifted the Monte-Carlo trophy three times during his illustrious career. The 2022 edition marks the 45th anniversary of the Swede’s first victory in 1977. He also won the event in 1979 and 1980.

Part of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Masters 1000 series – the highest event category outside the four Grand Slam tournaments – the Rolex Monte- Carlo Masters is the first of the year to be played on clay. The Monte-Carlo showpiece offers players the opportunity to hone their clay-court game ahead of Roland-Garros in Paris, the season’s second Grand Slam tournament and the only one held on the red surface.

Playing on clay places unique physical demands on competitors, the slower pace and high bounce producing long rallies and extended periods on court. To emerge victorious in Monte-Carlo demands persistence, tenacity and focus; marrying these with elegance, panache and heart makes for a captivating spectacle for fans.

DEFENDING THE CROWN
Reigning champion Stéfanos Tsitsipás will be aiming to recapture the form that brought his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title without dropping a single set. The world No. 5 has had a good start to 2022, reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open in Melbourne and the final of the ATP Masters 500 event in Rotterdam.

Tsitsipás is the first Greek player to have reached a Grand Slam final, a feat achieved at Roland-Garros last year, and he will feel at home on the red clay in Monaco, having won three of his seven career titles on the surface.

Ahead of the tournament, he said:

“After a fantastic tournament in 2021, I’m really hoping to have another good week this year. I’m especially excited to have fans back watching. This tournament means a lot to me as I used to  come and watch when I was younger. So it’s very special to be back here.”

ROLEX TESTIMONEES

Joining Tsitsipás in the principality will be several fellow Testimonees, all keen to claim their first Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters title. World No. 13 Taylor Fritz will be eager to build on his victory at Indian Wells, where he claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 title in an emphatic straight-sets win.

Other Testimonees vying for success include Carlos Alcaraz, who followed up his triumph as the youngest winner of an ATP Masters 500 tournament in Rio de Janeiro with the Miami Open title earlier this month. Jannik Sinner will also feature in the main draw and will be eager to continue the momentum he gained in 2021, when he won four titles.