Press Conference – Paris
Rafael Nadal running for a 10th title against Andy Murray (N°1), Novak Djokovic (N°2), Stan Wawrinka (N°3)
Paris, Thursday 23rd March 2017 – It was during a press lunch in Paris, at the Pavillon Elysées Lenôtre, that Zeljko Franulovic, the Tournament Director, revealed the highlights of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2017, in the presence of representatives of the media and the main partners of the event.
Organised by the SMETT (Société Monégasque pour l’Exploitation du Tournoi de Tennis), the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, which will take place from 15 to 23 April 2017 in the legendary setting of the Monte-Carlo Country Club, is the first European event of the prestigious ATP World Tour Masters 1000 category.
17 out of the top 20 best world tennis players in Monte-Carlo
This presentation was also the opportunity to announce the final list of the 45 players automatically included in the Main Draw of the 111th edition, with, at the top: britain’s Andy Murray, the world no. 1 player, the Serb Novak Djokovic (N°2), the Swiss Stan Wawrinka (N°3), recent finalist at Indian Wells, the Canadian Milos Raonic (N°5), and of course the Spaniard Rafael Nadal (N°6), nine times winner of the Monegasque tournament.
The player field looks exceptional with the participation of 17 out of the 20 top ranked players in the ATP rankings, some of whom are in great shape at the moment, such as the Belgian David Goffin (N°12), the Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov (N°13), without forgetting the Australian Nick Kyrgios (N°16), who will be participating for the first time in the Monegasque tournament.
Among the French players participating are: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (N°10), Gaël Monfils (N°11), Lucas Pouille (N°15), Richard Gasquet (N°22), Gilles Simon (N°25), Benoit Paire (N°39) and Nicolas Mahut (N°55).
Added to the Main Draw will be the 7 players from the qualifying competition, as well as 4 wild cards, making a total of 56 players.
Draw ceremony will be organised on Friday 14 April at 6.30 pm in the alleys of the Jardin Exotique de Monaco, in the presence of Rafael Nadal. As we all remember, the Majorcan won his ninth title last year against Gaël Monfils, the first French player to reach the Tournament Final since Cédric Pioline’s victory in 2000.
An edition marked by generosity
Pursuing its commitment towards charitable organisations, this year the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters is associated with AMADE Monaco (Association Mondiale des Amis de l’Enfance). An exhibition will be organised on Saturday 15th April on Court Rainier III, featuring some of the world’s best players including Novak Djokovic (N°2), Marin Cilic (N°9), David Goffin (N°12), Grigor Dimitrov (N°13) and Alexander Zverev (N°20).
INFORMATION FOR ACCREDITED JOURNALISTS:
Friday 14 April 2017
6.30 pm: Main Draw, in the Jardin Exotique (on reservation only)
Saturday 15 avril 2017
2.00 pm: Exhibition match for the benefit of the “AMADE Monaco”, Court Rainier III
Sunday 16 April 2017
12.00: Round Table with the main seeded players, organised by the ATP and the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters
Friday 21 April 2017
9.00 am: Press Breakfast offered by Rolex
8.00 pm: Grande Nuit du Tennis, gala evening (dark suits preferable, on reservation only)
Saturday 22 April 2017
Get a grip on your rackets! Press Tournament sponsored by Sergio Tacchini
11.30 am: 1st semi-final of the Men’s Doubles
1.30 pm (*): 1st semi-final of the Men’s Singles
Not before 3.30 pm (*): 2nd semi-final of the Men’s Singles
Followed by the 2nd semi-final of the Men’s Doubles
Sunday 23 April 2017 (Court Rainier III)
11.30 am: Final of the Men’s Doubles
2.30 pm (*): Final of the Men’s Singles (best of 3 sets)
(*) subject to change