Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner were knocked out at the Monte Carlo Masters, while Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the event; Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud will contest final; watch over 80 tournaments a year, including the US Open, live on Sky Sports Tennis
Sunday 14 April 2024 13:28, UK
Here's everything you need to know about the Monte Carlo Masters, including the schedule, which big-name players are featuring and who they have drawn, with the tournament continuing live on Sky Sports from 2pm on Sunday...
After two decades of dominance from Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, there is talk of a changing of the guard in men's tennis - finally.
In March, 22-year-old Jannik Sinner followed up his maiden Grand Slam success at the Australian Open with victory at the Miami Open and two-time Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz, 20, claimed the crown at Indian Wells.
Djokovic suffered a shock third-round exit to qualifying lucky-loser Luca Nardi at Indian Wells, while he missed Miami in an effort due to "balancing my private and professional schedule".
In Monte Carlo, Casper Ruud stepped up to knock Djokovic out at the semi-final stage after a 6-4 1-6 6-4 victory.
For many, a Djokovic vs Sinner final appeared on the cards, but the Italian suffered elimination at the same stage as the Serb.
Tsitsipas battled past second seed Sinner 6-4 3-6 6-4 and now has his eyes set on a third title in the Principality.
"It was tennis at its highest level that I have been able to play," said the Greek, who lifted back-to-back Monte-Carlo Masters titles in 2021 and 2022.
"Jannik was an extremely-difficult opponent and it can be seen throughout the year so far.
"He has been very consistent and I could see that throughout today with his game.
"He is one of the toughest opponents I have faced so far and to find ways when there weren't that many, I am proud of that."
It has been a disappointing event for the Brits as they all lost their first-round matches at the start of the week.
Cameron Norrie lost in straight sets to Karen Khachanov 7-5 7-6 (7-3) after Dan Evans was defeated 6-1 6-4 by Sebastian Ofner.
A day later, Jack Draper could not complete a comeback over Poland's Hubert Hurkacz as he was narrowly edged out in a 4-6 6-3 6-7 (2-7) loss.
Rafael Nadal ruled himself out of the Monte-Carlo Masters as his struggles with injury continue.
Nadal won his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title in Monte Carlo 19 years ago, going on to be crowned champion 11 times there, including winning eight in a row from 2005 to 2012.
The Spaniard was last victorious in Monte Carlo in 2018, missing the tournament for the past two years to injury.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion made his comeback at the Brisbane International in January after a year out due to a hip flexor injury that ultimately required surgery. However, he has not been seen since after a muscle tear ruled him out of the Australian Open and a back problem has sidelined him since.
"These are difficult times for me sportingly-speaking. Unfortunately, I am not going to play in Monte Carlo. My body just won't allow it," Nadal, who is expected to retire after the 2024 season, wrote on X.
"I have no choice but to accept the situation and try to look towards the immediate future while maintaining hope and desire to give myself the opportunity for things to improve."
Compatriot Alcaraz also pulled out of the event due to a right forearm injury.
Alcaraz, recently overtaken as world No 2 by Sinner, had been due to face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round after receiving a first-round bye.
In a statement on X, the Spaniard posted: "I have been working in Monte Carlo and trying to recover until the last minute from an injured pronator teres in my right arm, but it was not possible and I cannot play!
"I was really looking forward to playing... See you next year"
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