Exciting Showdowns Await on Day 2 of Monte Carlo Masters

MONTE CARLO, Monaco — The 2025 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters continues on Tuesday, bringing an array of thrilling matchups featuring both seasoned veterans and rising stars on the clay courts of the Monte Carlo Country Club. As the top eight seeds await their initial matches, Day 2 promises close competition as players battle for advancement in this prestigious event.

In one notable matchup, Switzerland’s Gilles Muller faces Argentina’s Sebastián Baez. Both athletes have encountered challenges recently, with Baez having defeated Muller in the Rio de Janeiro final earlier this season, preventing Muller from claiming a significant title. Similarly, Baez has bested Sebastian Carabelli in multiple tournaments. The head-to-head record tilts slightly in Muller’s favor at 2-0 against Carabelli, setting the stage for a tight duel where performance in crucial points will be paramount.

“It’s going to be a close contest, and the match will likely come down to who executes better in pivotal moments,” remarked Muller on the pressure of facing Carabelli.

Another intriguing first-round clash features Germany’s Daniel Altmaier against Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Altmaier holds a slim 1-0 edge in their head-to-head meeting, but Auger-Aliassime aims to rebound from disappointing results in Indian Wells and Miami. Despite being tested by Altmaier, the Canadian is expected to shoulder through the match.

“It’s been a tough couple of tournaments, but I feel ready to compete at a higher level here,” Auger-Aliassime said. “I’ve got to focus on my game and see where it takes me.”

French player Gaël Monfils goes head-to-head with Hungary’s Zsombor Marozsan in a battle that showcases two contrasting playstyles. With a record of 1-1 between them, Monfils must overcome struggles on clay to secure victory against the up-and-coming Marozsan, who could easily capitalize on Monfils’ inconsistency.

In another exciting fixture, Jiri Lehecka is set to take on American Sebastian Korda. Lehecka, who has lost four consecutive matches, will seek to reverse his fortunes against Korda, who is riding a wave of renewed confidence following solid performances in recent tournaments.

“I know I have to play well to contend with Korda,” Lehecka acknowledged. “The transition to clay can be tricky, but I’ve been preparing hard.”

Looking ahead, as the second round progresses, fans will see world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz face a formidable opponent in Francisco Cerundolo. Alcaraz, who has struggled this winter, faces a challenging task against Cerundolo, who has been in impressive form with a series of strong finishes this season.

“I’m focusing on regaining my form,” Alcaraz said. “Every match is a new opportunity to showcase my best tennis.”

The matches promise to thrill tennis enthusiasts as players vie for victory and position in the draw, setting the tone for the clay season leading into the French Open.