Gael Monfils Faces Fabian Marozsan in Monte-Carlo Masters First Round

PARIS, France — Veteran tennis star Gael Monfils, 38, begins his 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters campaign against Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan on April 7. Both players have faced each other twice before, splitting their matches 1-1, with each contest delivering thrilling tennis.

Neither Monfils nor Marozsan currently rank in the ATP Top 40, but their upcoming match promises to be a captivating encounter with significant implications. The winner will face seventh seed Andrey Rublev in the second round.

Monfils has shown impressive form this season, featuring a 14-5 win-loss record. He clinched the ASB Classic title in Auckland in January and reached the fourth round at the Miami Open last month. “Being the oldest player in the ATP’s top 50 adds extra motivation,” Monfils said. “I enjoy competing and am excited to showcase my game in Monte-Carlo.”

The Frenchman has notable victories this season, including wins against Taylor Fritz and Marozsan in earlier rounds. Last month, he defeated Marozsan at the Miami Open, a match that ended in Monfils’s favor with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

Marozsan, currently ranked No. 81 in ATP rankings, is gaining momentum after a successful qualifying round, which included defeating top seed Zizou Bergs. He has a season record of 10-8 and aims to make a mark on clay, an area traditionally viewed as challenging for him.

“This is my first time in the main draw at Monte-Carlo, and I’m ready to take on the challenge,” Marozsan stated confidently. “Playing Monfils, especially in front of a home crowd, is going to be an unforgettable experience.”

Theirs is a rivalry that promises drama. Their first meeting in 2024 saw Marozsan edge out Monfils 6-4, 6-7(6), 7-6(4), a testament to both players’ capabilities. With Monfils’s experience and Marozsan’s determination, this matchup highlights the intersection of youth and experience in the sport.

As Monfils prepares for the historic venue where he reached the finals in 2016, he is aware of the high expectations from the French fans. “Monte-Carlo feels like home to me, and I intend to play my best,” Monfils added.

Beyond the matches, this year’s Monte-Carlo Masters is poised to be a significant step on the ATP Tour calendar as players transition into clay season. As both Monfils and Marozsan gear up for their first round clash, expectations run high with an exciting storyline in the making.