Preview: Wawrinka, Murray & Thiem Start Monte-Carlo Campaigns
The 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka and former World No. 1 Andy Murray begin their Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters campaigns Monday when they take to court at the clay-court event.
Swiss wild card Wawrinka takes on Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, while Murray plays 14th seed Alex de Minaur. Austrian wild card Dominic Thiem is also in action, facing Frenchman Richard Gasquet.
Here is what to watch on Monday in the Principality.
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[WC] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs. Tallon Griekspoor (NED)
Former World No. 3 Wawrinka holds fond memories in Monte-Carlo, lifting the trophy at the ATP Masters 1000 event in 2014. The 38-year-old, who has claimed six tour-level trophies on clay, arrives in Monaco off the back of a run to the fourth round in Indian Wells, where he defeated Top 10 star Holger Rune.
Wawrinka will look to make a fast start to the clay swing when he takes on Griekspoor, who won their only previous ATP Head2Head meeting in Rotterdam in 2018. The Dutchman holds a 14-6 record on the season, highlighted by his run to the title in Pune. The pair will kick off the action on Court Rainier III at 11:00 a.m.
[14] Alex de Minaur (AUS) vs. Andy Murray (GBR)
Murray has shown glimpses of his best level this season, defeating Matteo Berrettini in a five-set thriller at the Australian Open before he advanced to the final in Doha. The former World No. 1 faces a tricky opening test in Monte-Carlo, though, with Australian De Minaur leading Murray 2-0 in their ATP Head2Head series.
Making his third appearance in the Principality, De Minaur will aim to bounce back from disappointing opening-round exits in Indian Wells and Miami when he competes on clay for the first time this year. Possessing impressive agility and movement, the World No. 19 will look to outlast Murray in the lengthy exchanges and earn his 13th tour-level win of the season.
The 46-time tour-level titlist Murray is making his first appearance in Monte-Carlo since 2017, when he advanced to the third round. The Scot advanced to the semi-finals in Monaco in 2009, 2011 and 2016.
Richard Gasquet (FRA) vs. [WC] Dominic Thiem (AUT)
After a difficult start to the season, Thiem earned his best result of 2023 last week in Estoril, where he reached his maiden quarter-final of the year. The Austrian, who has won 10 of his 17 tour-level titles on clay, will hope to build on that run in Monte-Carlo in his seventh appearance at the event.
Standing in his way in the first round is Frenchman Gasquet, who made his first appearance in Monte-Carlo in 2002. The 36-year-old, who advanced to the semi-finals in 2005, won his 16th tour-level crown in Auckland at the start of the year. Locked at 2-2 in their ATP Head2Head series, it is set to be an intriguing battle on Court Rainier III between two of the best one-handed backhands on Tour.
Also In Action…
Seeking an upturn in form, Matteo Berrettini starts his Monte-Carlo campaign against American Maxime Cressy. The Italian, who is 5-6 on the season, has clinched three clay-court trophies in his career. The 11th seed Cameron Norrie takes on Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, while Jack Draper faces Sebastian Baez.
In doubles, Stefanos Tsitsipas teams with brother Petros Tsitsipas against Grigor Dimitrov and Hubert Hurkacz.