The Monte Carlo Rolex Masters draw is out, and thus begins the European clay season. Top seed and 11-time champion Rafael Nadal has a bye in the first round and could face either Roberto Bautista Agut or John Millman in the second round.
Rafa could then meet the likes of Grigor Dimitrov, Stan Wawrinka and Denis Shapovalov if he wants to reach the final.
Projected Monte-Carlo quarter-finals:
- Novak Djokovic v Stefanos Tsitsipas
- Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov
- Alexander Zverev v Kei Nishikori
- Rafael Nadal v Marin Cilic
Rafa’s potential route to the final:
- 1st round: Bye
- 2nd round: Roberto Bautista Agut or John Millman
- 3rd round: Denis Shapovalov
- Quarter-final: Marin Cilic
- Semi-final: Alexander Zverev
- Final: Novak Djokovic or Dominic Thiem
The holder of a record 33 Masters 1000 titles won the first of his 11 titles in the Principlaity in 2005.
This year’s tournament, the first of three clay Masters 1000s, begins Sunday.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
Source: ATP World Tour
Good Luck Rafa as always you can do it you are the KING OF CLAY
RBA is far from the easiest first round opponent and as always, one match at a time. I’m relieved to see Thiem is in the other half though – with a new coach and having won a Masters 1000 at last, I see him as an even more serious threat than he’s been for the past couple of years.
There’s a new trophy for Monte Carlo this year and I hope it gets a bite from the King of Clay himself, as all self-respecting trophies deserve. Good health and good luck Rafa – vamos!!
You will be fine Rafa enjoy your tennis & time for Monte Carlo & you have bigger fish to fry your glorious wedding 🎩
Enjoy it all 🎾👑❤️
Good morning Rafa
Not the best of draws But mentally when you walk out on court you will own it
It’s yours the other person down the end will be shaking in there boots You are always mentally strong
You know your crown 👑 is ready
😇. 🥰. 👏. 🔥. 👍.
Rafa’s body does so much better on clay. He’s had a lot of needed rest. Yes, he can go all the way. No. 12 for Rafa at Monte Carlo!
Rafa si tus lrziones se mantienen alejadas d ti conseguirás d nuevo tu titulo.. ADELANTE!!!!
Such lucky fans to witness Rafael Nadal on clay.😎We know how at home he feels on clay. We wish him nothing but the best-he is not the only injured player. Injury is the bane of an athlete’s existence, but we trust his team and his own instincts. Rafael was such a warrior at Indian Wells; no one plays with more passion or heart.🍀🙏
I will also be there on Wednesday in Monte Carlo to cheer him on,fingers crossed he can stay healthy on clay,I have never seen Rafa lose there.lets hope I will get to see him in final on Sunday.
It’s a horrible draw, but fingers crossed!
I know you can win in Monte-Carlo again, stay aggressive, draw is tough but you have between all of them
Good luck and Vamos Rafa. Go for it <3
I agree 100%. I was a true blue Andre fan and when he retired I didnt think I would ever enjoy watching tennis again until I saw Rafa at 18! What an amazing and fun player to watch and love for all of these years!!
Best of luck Rafa and stay injury free throughout the clay court season.
Vamos Rafa
We want another trophy please
Cheers
Good luck Rafa. Have a great tournament.
RAFA ROCKS
Hi I’m planning to go see his first match. I saw the second round is gonna be played both on 16th and 17th. Does anyone know which day Rafa is playing maybe? many thanks!!
He always starts on the Wednesday, I have my ticket for then and Thursday ☺😉 Fiona in Paris
okayy thank you Fiona!
Zoe, Fiona, How wonderful that you will be there in person to cheer Rafa on! I think his first match could be his most difficult, so he will need lots of fan support. Please share your observations with us.
Rafa i am with you, your my bestie i am just so tuned in when you walk out on the cort i just cant wait to see you play your fantastic style of tennis so exciting snd simply the best . Good luck and go lift that trophy at MC.
Rafa i am with you, your my bestie i am just so tuned in when you walk out on the cort i just cant wait to see you play your fantastic style of tennis so exciting snd simply the best . Good luck and go lift that trophy at MC. Go Rafa go.
Ugh, I think RBA is a very tough second round opponent. The rest of Rafa’s draw looks manageable. Sadly, we Rafans know his biggest opponent is his health. Rafa will have an almost impossible task of defending 4680 ranking points. We need to be realistic about how tough that will be. I am more concerned about Rafa staying healthy. Tennis is no fun without him playing.