Preview: Djokovic chases title 100; Zverev, Alcaraz, Tsitsipas lead stacked draw

The first clay-court ATP Masters 1000 event of the season takes place this week at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, where Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic lead the field.

Top seed Zverev and second seed Alcaraz are chasing their first titles in The Principality, while Djokovic seeks tour-level trophy 100. Stefanos Tsitsipas has fond memories of Monte-Carlo, having won three of the past four editions.

Here is a look at 10 things to watch during the tournament.

Zverev top seed: Zverev will look to rediscover his form in Monte-Carlo, having suffered a second-round exit in Indian Wells and a fourth-round exit in Miami. The German, who is a two-time semi-finalist in The Principality, is competing on clay for the third time this season after reaching the quarter-finals in Rio de Janeiro. Seeking a first title of the year, the No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings will try to close the current gap of 2,685 points on World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

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Djokovic chases title 100: Djokovic came close to winning his 100th tour-level title last week in Miami, where he lost in the final to #NextGenATP Jakub Mensik. A two-time champion in Monte-Carlo, the Serbian could face former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka in his opener.

Can Alcaraz re-find form? Alcaraz suffered a shock opening-round loss to David Goffin in Miami and will hope a return to clay will help him produce his best again. The 21-year-old Spaniard has lifted eight trophies on the surface, including Roland Garros and two Masters 1000 titles. However, this will be just his second appearance in Monte-Carlo, having lost in his opening match in 2022.

Tsitsipas chasing fourth title in five years: If Tsitsipas captures a fourth title in five years, he would move clear of ATP No. 1 Club members Ilie Nastase, Bjorn Borg and Thomas Muster as the second-most successful player in Monte-Carlo history, behind only record 11-time winner Rafael Nadal. The Greek begins his latest campaign against Jordan Thompson or big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

Former champions: Andrey Rublev clinched his first Masters 1000 crown in Monte-Carlo in 2023, defeating Holger Rune in the final. The seventh seed is in the same quarter of the draw as Alcaraz. Wawrinka, 40, lifted the trophy in The Principality in 2014. If the Swiss star beats Alejandro Tabilo in the first round, he will set a meeting with Djokovic, who leads Wawrinka 21-6 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

Ruud, Draper, Medvedev threats: Fourth seed Casper Ruud came within a match of winning his first Masters 1000 crown last year in Monte-Carlo where he fell to Tsitsipas. The Norwegian has won 11 of his 12 tour-level titles on clay and begins against Brandon Nakashima or Roberto Bautista Agut. Jack Draper captured his first Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells but has never been beyond the second round in two previous Monte-Carlo appearances. Can he find the winning formula this week?

Daniil Medvedev’s last title came on clay in Rome in 2023. Aiming to end his recent title drought and return to the Top 10, the ninth seed will play Karen Khachanov in the first round.

Fils leads French hopes: Arthur Fils is one of six Frenchmen in the draw not including qualifiers. The 20-year-old, who won a clay title in Lyon in 2023, is joined by Richard Gasquet, who will compete at the event for the final time. Gasquet’s best result was a semi-final showing back in 2005, when he lost to Rafael Nadal.

Felix, Shelton, De Minaur in early Race contention: Felix Auger-Aliassime Ben Shelton and Alex de Minaur are seventh, eighth and ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, respectively. Auger-Aliassime has won two titles in 2025 but has never been beyond the second round in Monte-Carlo in five previous outings. Shelton clinched his first clay title in Houston last year and plays former finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round in Monte-Carlo.

De Minaur competed at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin for the first time last season. Aiming to return this November, the Australian will seek his first trophy of the season in Monaco.

Arevalo/Pavic on a roll: Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic arrive in form after becoming just the sixth doubles team in history to complete the ‘Sunshine Double’. A host of singles stars will compete in the doubles field, including Zverev, Alex de Minaur and Tsitsipas.

Iconic setting: The Monte-Carlo Country Club provides the setting for the first clay-court Masters 1000 of the season. With its exceptional setting and breathtaking sea views, the event is one of the most attractive stops on the ATP Tour.