The Monte-Carlo tournament had announced the arrival of Rafael Nadal who denied this information. The Spaniard, 11 times winner on the Rock, does not yet know when he will return to competition.
The official twitter account of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters tournament (April 8-16, 2023) announced the presence of Rafael Nadal on Tuesday March 23. Yes, but this Monday, March 28, the ogre of ocher, during an event organized by his foundation, wanted to clear things up regarding his return to the field. “I don’t know who is spreading this information, and if it were true, I would confirm it, but unfortunately I can’t do it,” commented the former world number 1.
“I don’t know when I’ll be back yet. I’m in a phase of work intensification, and if I knew, I would say so, but since I don’t know, I can’t tell you,” insisted the champion of the Balearic Islands. However, many have seen on social networks the left-hander intensely resume training on clay in his academy in Manacor. He obviously has the Roland Garros tournament in his sights. However, will Nadal make his comeback before the French Open?
The first big clay court tournament will still be very attractive without Nadal. The main favorites of the men’s circuit will be there. Stefanos Tsitsipas took the fold in Monaco by being the double title holder. Novak Djokovic has become world number 2 again, but he still seems indestructible when he decides to activate the “champion” mode. Casper Ruud must revive on clay. On hard, the Norwegian was very disappointing in 2023. Last year, however, he was excellent on this surface, even reaching the final at Porte d’Auteuil. Alexander Zverev often produces very good tennis in this spring period. But the most dangerous is probably the UFO Carlos Alcaraz who imposed himself in Indian Wells in an astonishing way and crushing all his opponents on his way. This tournament allows to launch the clay court season which is always very busy with other competitions which will follow week after week until Roland Garros (May 28-June 11).
The draw for a tournament is always made the week before the tournament. Starting only on April 8, the table has not yet been unveiled. On the other hand, the list of registered players has been revealed. The tournament will undoubtedly be very dense with the presence of Novak Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Carlos Alcaraz.
The Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 takes place from April 8 to 16 on the courts of the Country-Club (MCCC) located in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
The Monte-Carlo tournament will begin on April 8 with the qualifications for the 1st round. Then comes the final table. Players will play every day until the final on Sunday, April 16.
- Qualifications : Saturday 8 and Sunday
- 1st round : Monday April 10 and Tuesday April 11
- 2nd round : Tuesday April 11 and Wednesday April 12
- 3rd round : Wednesday April 12 and Thursday April 13
- 1/4 final : Friday, April 14
- 1/2 final : Saturday April 15
- Final : Sunday April 16
Holder of the TV rights to the nine Masters 1000 including that of Monte-Carlo, Eurosport broadcasts the 2023 Monte-Carlo tournament on its channels and platforms. C8 will broadcast the semi-finals and the final of the tournament in the clear.
Created in 1897, the Monte-Carlo tournament is a historic tennis competition. Since the start of the Open Era in 1968, here is the list of winners of the tournament:
- 2022: Stefanos Tsitsipas
- 2021: Stefanos Tsitsipas
- 2020: tournament canceled
- 2019: Fabio Fognini
- 2018: Rafael Nadal
- 2017: Rafael Nadal
- 2016: Rafael Nadal
- 2015: Novak Djokovic
- 2014: Stan Wawrinka
- 2013: Novak Djokovic
- 2012: Rafael Nadal
- 2011: Rafael Nadal
- 2010: Rafael Nadal
- 2009: Rafael Nadal
- 2008: Rafael Nadal
- 2007: Rafael Nadal
- 2006: Rafael Nadal
- 2005: Rafael Nadal
- 2004: Guillermo Coria
- 2003: Juan Carlos Ferrero
- 2002: Juan Carlos Ferrero
- 2001: Gustavo Kuerten
- 2000: Cédric Pioline
- 1999: Gustavo Kuerten
- 1998: Carlos Moya
- 1997: Marcelo Rios
- 1996: Thomas Muster
- 1995: Thomas Muster
- 1994: Andrei Medvedev
- 1993: Sergi Bruguera
- 1992: Thomas Muster
- 1991: Sergi Bruguera
- 1990: Andrei Chesnokov
- 1989: Alberto Mancini
- 1988: Ivan Lendl
- 1987: Mats Wilander
- 1986: Joakim Nystrom
- 1985: Ivan Lendl
- 1984: Henrik Sundstrom
- 1983: Mats Wilander
- 1982: Guillermo Vilas
- 1981: Guillermo Vilas/Jimmy Connors (final not played due to rain)
- 1980: Bjorn Borg
- 1979: Bjorn Borg
- 1978: Raúl Ramírez
- 1977: Bjorn Borg
- 1976: Guillermo Vilas
- 1975: Manuel Orantes
- 1974: Andrew Pattison
- 1973: Illi Nastase
- 1972: Illi Nastase
- 1971: Illi Nastase
- 1970: Zeljko Franulovic
- 1969: Tom Okker
- 1968: Nicola Pietrangeli