The ATP Monte Carlo Masters signals the unofficial start of the European clay court season, culminating in Roland Garros in just over two months. While notable players such as Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, and Jack Draper are absent, the tournament still promises abundant excitement. This includes the farewell appearances of two French tennis legends on one of the sport’s most historic courts. Our team provides predictions for every match starting from day one. Who will advance to the second round?
ATP Monte Carlo Day 1 Predictions
Marton Fucsovics vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: Fucsovics 1-0 Tabilo
Marton Fucsovics has demonstrated his capacity for significant wins on major stages, including an upset of Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets at Indian Wells earlier this season. However, Alejandro Tabilo currently presents as the more formidable player on clay. The Chilean’s precise, flat groundstrokes from both wings and his aggressive court positioning offer him more pathways to victory than the Hungarian. Their sole prior encounter favored Fucsovics, but Tabilo’s current form and striking ability should give him the edge this time.
Prediction: Tabilo in 3
Moise Kouame vs Ugo Humbert
Head-to-head: first meeting
Seventeen-year-old Moise Kouame secured a main draw victory in his ATP Masters 1000 debut in Miami last month, marking this young Frenchman as one of Monte Carlo’s most intriguing wildcards in recent memory. His athleticism and aggressive baseline play have already garnered attention. Humbert, however, poses a distinct challenge. The Frenchman is among the tour’s top servers and excels at taking the ball early on both sides, making him difficult to contend with even on slower clay. While Kouame’s breakthrough moment is undoubtedly coming, Humbert’s serve and flat ball-striking should prove too dominant for now.
Prediction: Humbert in 2
Cameron Norrie vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: Norrie 3–0 Kecmanovic
Uncharacteristically for a Briton, Cameron Norrie is a natural clay-court specialist. His heavy topspin, relentless movement, and left-handed angles make him a genuine threat on the surface. Miomir Kecmanovic has previously reached Masters 1000 quarterfinals on clay and is not to be underestimated, yet their head-to-head record speaks volumes. Norrie has won all three of their previous encounters, and his consistent play from the back of the court should once again provide him with the advantage.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Gael Monfils vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: Griekspoor 1-0 Monfils
Gael Monfils is making his final appearance at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters, where his best performance was reaching the final in 2016. The crowd will undoubtedly be fully behind him, and his movement and defensive instincts on clay can still be genuinely spectacular. Tallon Griekspoor, however, is a formidable opponent for anyone. He has maintained a consistent presence on clay, boasting a powerful serve and the ability to effectively vary pace and spin. Griekspoor holds the lead in their head-to-head, and his current level of play should see him through, despite the emotional significance of the occasion.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 3
