Tsitsipas and Cerúndolo Clash in Monte-Carlo Opener

Clay-court specialists meet in a potential season-turning matchup at the Monte-Carlo Masters

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:09am

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World No. 49 Stefanos Tsitsipas faces off against in-form clay-court specialist Francisco Cerúndolo in the first round of the 2026 Monte-Carlo Masters. Tsitsipas, a three-time champion in Monte-Carlo, is looking to turn around a frustrating start to the season, while Cerúndolo aims to make a splash on the big stage after recent success on clay.

Why it matters

This matchup between two of the ATP Tour's top clay-court players could set the tone for the rest of their respective seasons. Tsitsipas is seeking to regain his form and confidence, while Cerúndolo looks to prove he can compete with the elite on the biggest stages.

The details

Tsitsipas and Cerúndolo have met twice before, with Tsitsipas winning both matches on hard courts. However, this will be their first clash on clay, Cerúndolo's preferred surface. The 27-year-old Argentine has made a strong start to 2026, winning a title in Buenos Aires and reaching the quarterfinals in Miami. Tsitsipas, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency, with an 11-7 record so far this year despite wins over top players.

  • The match will take place on April 6, 2026 in the first round of the Monte-Carlo Masters.
  • Tsitsipas is a three-time champion at the Monte-Carlo Masters, last winning the title in 2024.

The players

Stefanos Tsitsipas

A 27-year-old Greek player who is a three-time champion at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Currently ranked 49th in the world, Tsitsipas is looking to turn around a frustrating start to the 2026 season.

Francisco Cerúndolo

A 27-year-old Argentine clay-court specialist who has made a strong start to 2026, winning a title in Buenos Aires and reaching the quarterfinals in Miami. He will be eager to make a splash on the big stage against Tsitsipas.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really looking forward to this match against Stefanos. He's a great player, but I feel confident on the clay and I'm ready to give it my all.”

— Francisco Cerúndolo, ATP Player

“My start to the season hasn't been what I wanted, but I know I can turn things around, especially here in Monte-Carlo where I've had so much success. I'm ready for the challenge against Cerúndolo.”

— Stefanos Tsitsipas, ATP Player

What’s next

The winner of this first-round matchup will face either Daniil Medvedev or Jannik Sinner in the second round of the Monte-Carlo Masters.

The takeaway

This clash between two of the ATP Tour's top clay-court players could be a pivotal moment in their respective seasons. Tsitsipas is looking to regain his form and confidence, while Cerúndolo aims to prove he can compete with the elite on the biggest stages. The outcome of this match could set the tone for the rest of their 2026 campaigns.