Preview: Djokovic Returns; Tsitsipas Begins Three-Peat Hunt

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is back in action Tuesday at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas begins his quest for a three-peat in the Principality.

In Djokovic’s first match since Dubai, the Serbian will meet qualifier Ivan Gakhov. World No. 3 Tsitsipas will meet Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi for a third time in the final match on Court Rainier III. Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev, and Hubert Hurkacz are also among those on Tuesday’s packed card.

Here are three second-round matches to watch during Day 3 at the Monte-Carlo Country Club.

View Singles Draw | View Doubles Draw | View Schedule

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs. [Q] Ivan Gakhov

Boasting a 15-1 record this season, Djokovic will look to maintain his form with hopes of achieving a record-extending 39th ATP Masters 1000 title. The 35-year-old, who is a two-time champion in Monte-Carlo, will begin his title quest against the lefty Gakhov, who advanced through qualifying as an alternate and defeated American Mackenzie McDonald in the opening round.

Hungry to strengthen his claim as World No. 1, Djokovic comes into Monte-Carlo only defending second-round points from last year. The 93-time tour-level titlist sets his sights on a strong run at the season’s first clay-court Masters 1000 event.

“I have done more training on clay, which is positive if you think about the clay season,” Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference. “I have not had much success in Monte-Carlo in the past two seasons. I haven’t played great tennis here, so I am hoping this year I can start the clay season better than in previous years and build my form.”

Gakhov enjoyed a breakthrough earlier this month at the ATP Challenger Tour event in Girona, Spain, where he captured his maiden Challenger title. The World No. 198 looks to build upon his momentum to achieve the biggest win of his career.

[2] Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) vs. Benjamin Bonzi (FRA)

In 2022, Tsitsipas and the Frenchman Bonzi met twice, with the Greek prevailing both times on the grass courts of Halle and Mallorca. Tuesday’s clash on the red dirt will bring new challenges for the World No. 3, who hasn’t lost in Monte-Carlo since 2019.

Tsitsipas has enjoyed success on clay in the past, claiming four titles on the surface.

“I really like the tactical analysis of clay-court tennis. I think it is deeper than people think. There is a lot of strategy involved,” Tsitsipas said in his pre-tournament press conference. “You are not expecting to hit crazy winners on a surface like clay. You are dealing with much patience when you are playing. It involves more around unforced and forced errors. The way you can open the court. The main priority is not to hit a winner, but be precise and open the court.”

Bonzi started the year on a strong note. The 26-year-old earned his career-best Grand Slam result at the Australian Open, where he reached the third round. The Nimes-native was a finalist at the ATP 250 events in Pune and Marseille. The World No. 48 is aiming for his first Top-10 win when he goes toe-to-toe with Tsitsipas.

[10] Hubert Hurkacz (POL) vs. Jack Draper (GBR)

The Pole Hurkacz was a quarter-finalist in Monte-Carlo and Madrid last year before his run to the fourth round at Roland Garros. But things didn’t look so positive for the World No. 13 during Sunday’s opening round. Hurkacz clawed past Laslo Djere after three hours, 19 minutes and saved a match point en route to earning his 50th ATP Masters 1000 main-draw win.

Draper produced a strong first-round performance, including saving 11 of 12 break points faced to down Sebastian Baez 6-3, 7-5. Making his event debut this week in Monte-Carlo, Draper is targeting an upset of the 10th seed to level their ATP Head2Head at one apiece.

Also In Action…

#NextGenATP star Ben Shelton and last year’s Monte-Carlo semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov kickoff first-round play on Court des Princes. The 20-year-old Shelton earned his first red-clay victory last week in Estoril. Alexander Zverev, seeded 13th, looks to flip the script against Alexander Bublik, who has won both of their previous two encounters.

Two Spanish players will aim for an upset in the Principality. Jaume Munar meets fifth seed Andrey Rublev and last year’s finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina clashes against ninth seed Karen Khachanov.

In doubles action, fourth seeds Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic face Top 10 singles players Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune.