For a tiny Principality which measures just three miles long by one and a half miles wide, Monaco plays host to a number of world-class sporting events. There is of course the famous Monaco Grand Prix, which takes place in the heart of the Principality and not far from some of our most prestigious Monaco property for sale. Additionally, the world’s second smallest state also hosts one of the biggest tennis tournaments in Europe every April at the highly esteemed Monte Carlo Country Club. The event, called the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters in recognition of its sponsors, is part of the ATP tour’s clay court season and will take place this year between 15th and 23rd April.
A Top-Level Athletic Event
If you’re a tennis fan, it is a wonderful event to attend, with many of the world’s premier players taking part. And if tennis isn’t really your thing, we are sure you will love it just as much. The views over the Mediterranean from the 23 courts are some of the most spectacular you will find in Monaco, and the atmosphere in this exclusive club, close to a number of our Monaco apartments, is electric throughout the week-long tournament.
Video Credit: Tennis TV
The event, the first of which was held in 1897, is only open to male players, and regularly attracts big names such as Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, who won it last year for the record-breaking ninth time. The 29-year-old (at the time of the match) Spaniard claimed a record-equalling 28th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown and his first for almost two years. He said, “Monte-Carlo is one of the most important places in my career without any doubt. To win again here after three years is so special for me.” Nadal became the first man in the Open Era to earn at least nine wins at two different tournament since he’s also won the French Open nine times.
High-Profile Spectators
Monaco is easily the most exclusive stop on the ATP tour. The small city state is home to the Grimaldi Royal Family and attracts international celebrities, businessmen, F1 drivers and athletes from all over the world. The Monte-Carlo Country Club provides a magnificent setting for the Rolex Masters and the centre court directly overlooks the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The club has been the home of grand tennis tournaments since 1897 and became an “Open” event in 1969. Naturally, the event attracts numerous prestigious guests and Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene present the champion with his trophy after the Final.
ATP World Tour 2017 Player Preview, credit: ATPWorldTour
What to Look Forward to at the Rolex Masters 2017
The final list of 45 players admitted directly to the final draw will be announced on 22nd March, but we already know that the big names Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will be there.
A Children’s Day programme full of activities is scheduled for 16th April. Kids can participate in drawing competitions, tennis workshops, Virtual tennis competitions, signing sessions and raffles as part of the event. It takes place from 10am in the activity area of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters and attracted more than 1,700 children last year. Another event is the gala ‘Big Night of Tennis’ on Friday 21st April at the Salle des Etoiles Sporting Monte Carlo, which is attended by players and tournament partners.
The final draw before the matches begin will be made on Friday, 14th April at 18:30 in the avenues of the Exotic Garden of Monaco, and a charity exhibition is organized for Saturday 15th April for the benefit of Amade Mondiale Monaco, presided by HSH Princess Caroline of Hanover.
If you are planning to trip to look at Monaco apartments for sale in April and would like more information about the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, please contact our dedicated team.
