The clay-court season on the ATP Tour begins on Monday in Houston, Marrakech, and Bucharest. As always, there are three Masters 1000 events on the red stuff prior to Roland Garros — starting in Monte-Carlo.
With the Monte-Carlo festivities just one week away, Novak Djokovic has announced his withdrawal. The 38-year-old Serb, who lost in the Indian Wells fourth round and skipped Miami, cited a right shoulder injury. Djokovic is a two-time champion in the principality but has not lifted the trophy since 2015 and has struggled mightily there for more than a decade. The world No. 3 is 11-9 in his last 20 Monte-Carlo matches.
“We send him our best wishes and hope to see him back on court very soon,” tournament organizers stated.
Two Frenchmen on opposite ends of the career spectrum recently joined Stan Wawrinka and Matteo Berrettini as wild-card entries. Gael Monfils, 39, and Moise Kouame, 17, will be in the field of 56.
The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters takes place April 5-12. It is the only Masters 1000 event that is not required for the top players in the world.