Monte Carlo Masters: Exciting Matchups Await in Second Round

MONTE-CARLO, Monaco – The ATP Monte Carlo Masters continues with highly anticipated second-round matches set to unfold this week. As one of only two 1000-level events that spans a single week, the tournament promises thrilling tennis action from April 6-12.

On the second day, notable players including Stan Wawrinka, Lorenzo Musetti, and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina aim to advance to the next round. Wawrinka, who remains in the latter stages of his career, demonstrated his prowess recently with a three-hour win over Timofey Skatov and will face Alejandro Tabilo, a player struggling with form and confidence.

“I still have a bit left in the tank,” Wawrinka said about his recent performances. “I’ve been working on my game, particularly for the clay surface.” Predictions favor Wawrinka to win in three sets against Tabilo.

In another matchup, Lorenzo Musetti, ranked No. 13, takes on Chinese qualifier Yunchaokete Bu, who previously defeated Musetti in Beijing last year. Bu is coming off two solid qualifying matches but will face stiff competition on the clay courts of Monte Carlo.

“I expect to perform well, especially with the support from the crowd,” Musetti commented regarding his upcoming match against Bu. Analysts predict Musetti will come out on top in two sets, drawing on his experience and previous successes on clay.

Additionally, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who reached the Monte Carlo final three years ago, will compete against American Ben Shelton. Fokina has been in strong form this season and is seen as a difficult opponent for Shelton, who has shown lacks confidence in his baseline game on clay courts.

“I know the court well, and I feel prepared,” Fokina said, expressing optimism about his chances. Predictions indicate a three-set battle that may favor Fokina.

In other action, Jiri Lehecka advanced to the second round after defeating American Sebastian Korda 6-3, 7-6 (7) on Monday. The 28th-ranked player will face the winner of the upcoming match between Yunchaokete Bu and Lorenzo Musetti.

Also on the card, veteran Richard Gasquet, making his final appearance at the Monte Carlo Masters, edged Matteo Arnaldi with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Gasquet, who is set to retire post the French Open, reflected on the significance of the moment after his victory.

“I know how lucky I am to play on this court,” said the 38-year-old Gasquet. “In the third set, I reminded myself this may be my last time; I had to give it my all.” He will compete next against either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Daniel Altmaier.

The draw for the ATP Masters 1000 event continues to shape up, with many matches ahead that could shift rankings and set the tone for the clay-court season.