The Monte Carlo Masters has produced some of the best storylines on the ATP Tour this year.
Valentin Vacherot has been the standout performer after defeating Lorenzo Musetti and Alex de Minaur en route to the semi-finals.
Of course, one cannot forget either Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have contested their first match of the season in the Monte Carlo final.
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The tournament has also achieved an unprecedented goal for the first time in its long history.
The Monte Carlo Masters have sold out their entire event for the first time in history
David Massey, the Monte Carlo Masters Tournament Director, spoke to the media in Monaco ahead of Sunday’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
During the press conference, Massey [pictured below, right] revealed that the 2026 event has made history.
“For the first time in the tournament’s history, we sold every ticket possible, from qualifying to the final,” Massey said, as per Italian journalist Carlo Galati.
“Here, the world number one will be played, and the semifinals were the best possible, the ones we could have dreamed of.
“This record will remain unbeatable.”
Massey, a resident in Monaco since 2021, worked for the ATP Tour for 20 years before assuming his role as Monte Carlo Masters Tournament Director in 2022.
Upon moving into the role, Massey told the Monaco Tennis Federation: “It is a great honour for me to take on this new challenge.
“I would like to thank Miss Melanie-Antoinette de Massy and all the members of the Organizing Committee for the trust placed in me.
“Due to its history linked to the Principality and the Princely Family, its unique site in the world that plunges into the Mediterranean and its prestigious partners, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters occupies a special place in the hearts of players.”
Monte Carlo Masters finals since David Massey’s appointment
- 2023: Andrey Rublev defeated Holger Rune, 5–7, 6–2, 7–5
- 2024: Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Casper Ruud, 6–1, 6–4
- 2025: Carlos Alcaraz defeated Lorenzo Musetti, 3–6, 6–1, 6–0
Saying goodbye to tennis legends in Monte Carlo
This year, two legends of the sport made their final appearances at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 champion in Monaco, was defeated in the first round by Argentine Sebastian Baez.
After losing the contest, Wawrinka told the crowd: “I will remember that at 41 I was still playing on that court. But I really pushed myself. My dream was to be a professional tennis player.
“So to play in the main draw of those tournaments – I had the chance to win some. But my goal was always to push myself to the limit. That’s what I still try to do, still try to keep going.”
Gael Monfils, one of the sport’s great entertainers and a accomplished player in his own right, defeated Tallon Griekspoor in the first round.
Monfils – who like Wawrinka – is set to retire from his playing career at the end of this year, was defeated by Alexander Bublik in the second round.
“I came here for the first time in 2005. It’s a magnificent tournament, if not one of the most beautiful tournaments in the world,” said Monfils after the match. “I was kindly invited [as a wild card]. It was an honour and a privilege to play in 2005, and what an opponent I had first… I immediately got to taste the best of the best.
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“I think I played some of my best tennis [here]. Some great victories. I managed to beat Roger [in 2015]. They were really special moments and here I am again today trying to give you a good match.
“The years go by and the legs become heavier, but the love from the crowd is unique. Every time I really stepped on this court, it was beautiful.”
