In ‘07, when there was a curious move to downgrade the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament, there was an outcry the world over from players such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, as well as from longtime officials and dedicated fans. Last year, the ATP agreed to allow the historic event to keeps its status and the sport was well rewarded. Pheww!
After all, tennis has deep roots in many notable locations, but few that reach down under the Mediterranean Sea like the Monte-Carlo tournament, which was founded in 1897 and will celebrate its 103th anniversary when play is held April 11-19.
Okay, the breathtakingly beautiful tournament by the cool blue sea was interrupted during two world wars, but it seems like the sport’s great names have been pounding deep groundstrokes on orange clay for time immemorial. Stars such as Borg, Nastase, Connors, Lendl, Edberg, Becker, Muster, Kuerten, Ferrero and four-time champion Rafael Nadal have raised the big trophy in front of awe struck fans at the famed Monte Carlo Country Club. The players voted it as their favorite tournament in ‘07.
The tournament is played on a picture perfect court many consider to be the most breathtaking show court in the world. It’s said to have been redesigned by somebody who knew a little bit about beauty, none other than Grace Kelly, the late Princess of Monaco. “Her Royal Majesty took special pride in our tournament and would be proud of the level of importance it has achieved as the kickoff tournament to the European Clay court season,” gushed Prince Albert of Monaco, Princess Grace’s son and ruler of the Principality. “My mother loved this tournament and was in attendance as often as she could be here even with her heavy schedule, but she always made time for the Championships.
This year, the tournament will increase capacity of its center court to 10,000 as well as building a larger amusement area for kids. The tournament hopes to welcome 120,000 spectators.
Croatian and former top fiver Ivan Ljubicic lives in Monte Carlo, in the tradition of a long line of players who reside there including Borg and Ilie Nastase.
“The energy there is just unbelievable,” he told IT. “It’s packed. They would fill any seat they could put in there. It’s just crazy to walk from locker room to the practice courts — you need so many bodyguards because the fans are so into it. I try to buy tickets for my friends for the semis and finals, but it’s just impossible. The enthusiasm is incredible. They are crazy for sports there.”
Rolex began its association with the tournament in ‘06 and was more than impressed, which is why it decided to take on the role of title sponsor.
“It is a means of reinforcing our close collaboration, and we are delighted,” said Madame Elizabeth-Ann de Massy, president of the tournament committee. “We are particularly proud that Rolex, one of the most renowned companies in the world, has accepted to strengthen its collaboration with one of the most prestigious sports events in the Principality of Monaco.”
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MASTERS OF MONTE CARLO
OPEN ERA TITLE LEADERS
4 – Rafael Nadal (2005-2008)
3 – Bjorn Borg (1977, 79-80)
Thomas Muster (1992, 95-96)
Ilie Nastase (1971-73)
MATCH WIN LEADERS
Thomas Muster 29-7
Juan Carlos Ferrero 26-6
Carlos Moya 26-11
Sergi Bruguera 25-8
Cedric Pioline 25-11
Rafael Nadal 24-1
YOUNGEST CHAMPION
Mats Wilander, 1983
(18 Years, 7 Months)
OLDEST CHAMPION
Cedric Pioline, 2000
(30 Years, 9 Months)
