Big announcements about the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2018 were recently unveiled by Zeljko Franulovic, Tournament Director in the America Hall at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. Organized by SMETT (Société Monegasque pour l’Exploitation du Tournoi de Tennis) from 14 to 22 April, in the prestigious Monte-Carlo Country Club, the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 will be the first major European tournament of the season.
After announcing its new title, ‘Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters’, which confirms the close links between the tournament and its sponsor Rolex, Zeljko Franulovic presented the new 2018 tournament poster, designed by Andrew Davidson, from the UK. A talented artist who also designed the last 8 posters for the event.
“Last year, we benefited from an exceptional edition with the participation of 17 of the top 20 players in the world, including No. 1: A. Murray, No. 2: N. Djokovic and No. 3: S. Wawrinka as well as most of the young rising stars in the world of tennis. It was record-breaking event. Helped by excellent weather, the tournament received a record crowd with a total of 135,809 spectators. Sold out games from Monday to Sunday on all of the competition’s five courts. A first for us!”
The Tournament Director also recalled that Rafael Nadal, “World No. 5 at the time of the tournament, won the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters last year for the tenth time, then proceeded with victories in Barcelona, Madrid and received his 10th title at Roland Garros before a victory at the US Open.” The Société des Bains de Mer, the Tournament’s institutional partner, wished to pay homage to the champion by naming one of the suites at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort after him.
Even if the final list of the 45 players accepted in the final draw will be announced on 19 March, the official closing date for ATP registrations, Zeljko Franulovic seems very confident that the 2018 competition will be just as exceptional as last year. “This year again, despite a start of the season which was a bit tricky for some competitors, we are preparing to welcome the best players in the world like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev, David Goffin, Stan Wawrinka….” It is recommended that tennis fans book their tickets on the official website as soon as possible (www.rolexmontecarlomasters.mc) because some days of the Tournament are already fully booked.
The Atrium du Casino, a symbolic place in the Principality, will host the final draw on Friday 13 April at 6:30pm. A week which will be busy with the tournament’s events, like Children’s Day on Sunday 15 April, the traditional Grande Nuit du Tennis, held in the Salle des Etoiles on Friday 20 April at 8:00 pm and the private players’ evening, an exclusive event organized by the tournament for almost 60 years.
Continuing its commitment to the charitable foundation, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters will hold an exhibition match for the benefit of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, at the Court Rainier III, on Saturday 14 April with the participation of the best players in the tournament, who are all committed to the protection of the environment.
Mark your calendars, the European Clay Season will kick off with the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters between 14 to 22 April 2018!
