As you walk around Monaco this month it is hard to miss the huge life size posters of tennis players hung on almost every street corner. The billboards are plastered around the Principality to advertise one of April’s most popular events: the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.
As if anyone needs reminding; the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters held at the Monte-Carlo Country Club is one of the most important tennis tournaments in the world and is annually attended by the sport’s biggest names.
It is also the second biggest event to be held in Monaco after the Formula 1 Grand Prix, attracting many visitors to the Principality, some of whom rent property in Monaco for the entire eight day contest.
This year’s event, being held from April 12 to 20, is no different. It has just been announced that Roger Federer has taken a wild card into the tournament, joining eight-time winner Rafael Nadal and defending champion Novak Djokovic, who happens to live in Monaco.
The 32-year-old Swiss will be making his first Monte-Carlo appearance since a quarter-final exit in 2011 and his 11th overall. However the number five seed has never actually won the Monte-Carlo title so you can be sure he is hoping for a win this year.
He has however come runner-up on three occasions, to the same person each time. Federer was beaten to the title by Nadal in three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008.
Djokovic, who owns a property in Monaco, is the reigning Monte Carlo Masters champion after he ended Nadal’s eight-year winning streak in straight sets last April. He has also won the first two Masters events of the season at Indian Wells and Miami.
For more information on the event or to buy tickets for the tournament visit the website here.
