The Tournament at a Glance
The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters is an ATP Masters 1000 clay-court tournament, one of the most prestigious stops on the men’s professional circuit. First played in 1897, it holds the rare distinction of being among the oldest tournaments in professional tennis. It celebrated its 100th edition in 2006 and has never stopped growing since.
The venue is the Monte-Carlo Country Club, located at 155 Avenue Princesse Grace, 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, technically on French soil but sitting directly on Monaco’s eastern border. The club occupies a clifftop position above the Mediterranean, and the views from the top courts are genuinely unlike any other tennis venue in the world.
The tournament is organised by S.M.E.T.T. (Société Monégasque d’Exploitation du Tournoi de Tennis), a body created in 2005. Its current president is Melanie-Antoinette de Massy, a member of Monaco’s ruling Grimaldi family. The title sponsorship belongs to Rolex, under a contract running until at least 2031. Unlike most Masters 1000 events, Monaco carries no mandatory attendance obligation for ATP players, which makes its consistent field of top-20 participation all the more telling.
In 2025, the tournament attracted over 150,000 spectators, generated 225 million social media views, and reached 34 million viewers across linear and digital platforms. It is, by any measure, one of the defining events of the sporting calendar.
The 2026 Draw: A Field of Exceptional Depth
The player list for the 119th edition was announced by Tournament Director David Massey at a press lunch in Paris on March 10, 2026. The headline figure: 18 of the world’s top 20 players are confirmed, including 9 of the top 10. The draw proper takes place on Friday, April 3 at 5:00 pm.
The defending champion is Carlos Alcaraz (World No. 1), who claimed the 2025 title in a final that was voted Match of the Year on the ATP Tour. He returns as the clear favourite on his preferred surface. Also confirmed are:
- Jannik Sinner (No. 2)
- Novak Djokovic (No. 3), finalist at the 2026 Australian Open
- Alexander Zverev (No. 4)
- Lorenzo Musetti (No. 5)
- Alex de Minaur (No. 6)
- Taylor Fritz (No. 7)
- Felix Auger-Aliassime (No. 9)
- Alexander Bublik (No. 10)
- Daniil Medvedev, Jakub Menšík, Casper Ruud, Jack Draper, Flavio Cobolli
- Stefanos Tsitsipas, a three-time Monte-Carlo champion
French fans have plenty to cheer for, with Arthur Fils, Arthur Rinderknech, Corentin Moutet, Ugo Humbert and Adrian Mannarino all in the draw.
The Monégasque connection adds local intensity. Valentin Vacherot enters the singles main draw directly after a breakthrough 2025 that saw him reach the final of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, becoming the first Monégasque player ever to reach a final on the ATP main tour. In doubles, Romain Arneodo and Manuel Guinard return as defending champions, having won the title in 2025 with a wild-card entry.
The full draw consists of 56 players in singles (45 direct entries, 7 qualifiers, 4 wild-cards) and 28 doubles teams.
What’s New for 2026
Each year the tournament refines its offering. The 2026 edition introduces several significant changes.
The Players’ Village
For the second consecutive year, the Monte-Carlo Beach Club is fully privatised and converted into a dedicated Players’ Village for the duration of the tournament. In 2026, the space expands to include a new gym of over 320 m² and an enlarged relaxation zone for players, their coaching teams and families.
The Spectator Experience
The public-facing village has been redesigned. New large screens allow spectators to follow live matches from different courts simultaneously, and a new relaxation zone has been integrated into the tournament footprint.
Technology
The Electronic Line Calling Live system, powered by Hawk-Eye technology, returns for another year. A network of high-precision cameras detects line calls in real time, with Video Review available for immediate verification of disputed decisions. A new addition for 2026 is HawkVision, a broadcasting system deploying 60 digitally unified cameras to deliver a unique court-level view from directly behind the players.
New Partners
Two new official partners join the 2026 fold: Italian pasta brand Rummo and global poker platform PokerStars. Maison Lanson returns as the Official Champagne Supplier, renewing a historic relationship. The house is also the Official Supplier to H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince of Monaco.
The Week’s Schedule
The nine-day tournament follows a standard Masters 1000 structure, moving from qualifications through to the final on Sunday, April 12. Here is an overview of the key milestones:
- Friday, April 3: Official draw, 5:00 pm
- Saturday, April 4: Qualifying rounds begin. Media Weekend starts (main seeds available for press round-tables from 2:00 pm)
- Sunday, April 5: Qualifying rounds continue. Children’s Day (see below). Media Weekend continues (from 11:00 am)
- Monday, April 6 to Thursday, April 9: First and second rounds of the main draw
- Friday, April 10: Quarter-finals
- Saturday, April 11: Semi-finals. La Grande Nuit du Tennis (evening)
- Sunday, April 12: Final
Gates open at 9:30 am daily. The first matches typically begin at 11:00 am. Always check the official week’s schedule on the day, as rain and match length can shift proceedings.
Children’s Day: Sunday, April 5
The tournament has run a dedicated Children’s Day on the qualifying Sunday for many years. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, April 5, and activities begin from 10:00 am in the entertainment and relaxation zone near entrance 4.
The programme includes:
- Mini-tennis court (work on your backhand)
- Digital reaction wall
- An organised e-tournament
- A drawing competition for young artists
- A prediction contest on one of the Court Rainier III matches
- A prize tombola with numerous lots to win
- The chance to challenge a professional player and collect autographs
Children under 5 enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult. No seat is allocated to them; they must be seated on the adult’s lap. The combination of a public holiday weekend and a fully packed children’s programme makes this the ideal family day of the tournament.
La Grande Nuit du Tennis
Held annually on the Saturday evening of semi-finals weekend, La Grande Nuit du Tennis is among the most exclusive social events in the Monaco calendar. In 2026 it takes place on Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 pm, at the Salle des Étoiles within the Sporting Monte-Carlo complex.
The evening brings together members of the Royal Family, confirmed tournament players, sponsors, and VIP guests for a dinner followed by a world-class performance. The dress code is dark suit for men, evening dress for women. Access is by specific ticket, available through the official tournament hospitality programme.
Tickets: How to Book and What to Expect
Tickets for the 2026 edition are available via the official online ticketing platform. The tournament offers several formats:
General Tickets
Daily tickets grant access to all courts, including Court Rainier III (the main court), Court des Princes, and Court Elizabeth-Ann de Massy. Prices increase as the tournament progresses toward the final. Purchasing online before arriving at the venue is strongly recommended, as on-site desk prices are higher. Check the 2026 pricing page for the current rate card.
Hospitality Packages
For those who prefer a more elevated experience, the official hospitality packages combine reserved seating with dedicated catering. The 2026 offering includes:
- Village Premium — Lenôtre catering, box-category seats
- Village Or — Lenôtre catering, super-category seats
- Lopen Or — Grand Events / Fairmont Monte-Carlo, super-category seats
- Village Argent — Lenôtre catering, first-category seats
- La Terrasse — Société des Bains de Mer catering, first-category seats
- Lopen — Grand Events / Fairmont Monte-Carlo, first-category seats
- Le Masters Excellence — Pavillon Traiteur, first-category seats
- Le Masters Avantage — Pavillon Traiteur, second-category seats
All packages include a branded Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters gift. Private lodge rental in the immediate vicinity of Court Rainier III is also available for the full nine days of the tournament.
For enquiries: +377 97 98 70 00 or info@smett.mc.
How to Get There
The Monte-Carlo Country Club sits at 155 Avenue Princesse Grace, just across the Monaco border in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France. Getting there is straightforward from anywhere on the Riviera.
By Train (Recommended)
The most practical option. During the tournament, TER and ZOU! regional trains stop at the temporary Monte-Carlo Country Club station, which places you 500 metres from entrance 4. Alternatively, alight at Monaco station and board a free bus (lines 1, 4, or 6) on presentation of your tournament ticket.
By Helicopter
Monacair, Blade and Heli Air Monaco operate flights every 30 minutes between Nice Airport (all terminals, including the Business Terminal) and Monaco Heliport. The flight takes just 7 minutes. A car transfer to the tournament entrance is included.
By Car
Take the A8 motorway: exit 56 (Monaco) if coming from Nice, or exit 58 (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin) if arriving from Menton or Italy. Parking near the Country Club is difficult and strongly discouraged by the organisers. Use Parking des Salines instead, available at a flat rate of €6 for the full day. From there, a dedicated shuttle runs directly to the venue every 15 minutes from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
By Bus
During the entire tournament period, buses throughout the Principality are free for all passengers, without exception. Lines 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 all serve the venue. From Nice, bus line 100 runs from the port to the Saint-Roman stop every 15 minutes. From Nice Airport, take bus 110. Both stop within a 750-metre walk of the Country Club.
By Boat
A free water taxi crosses the Port of Monaco between the main dike / Antoine I car parks and the Quai des États-Unis. From there, connect to the tournament shuttle running along Avenue Princesse Grace.
Note: The Monte-Carlo Country Club temporary train station is not adapted for persons of reduced mobility. Accessible seating on Court Rainier III, Court des Princes and Court Elizabeth-Ann de Massy is very limited and must be requested in advance through the official reservation process, with supporting documentation.
Dining and Staying: On-Site and Beyond
On-Site Restaurants
The venue offers four main dining options during the tournament:
- Le Village — Lenôtre, the Parisian luxury caterer, runs this restaurant within the spectator village
- La Terrasse — operated by Société des Bains de Mer, with a terrace setting close to Court Rainier III
- Lopen — managed by Grand Events in partnership with Fairmont Monte-Carlo, offering a more formal setting
- Le Cinq Sets — self-service dining by La Toque du Midi, the quickest option for those who don’t want to leave the courts for long
Hotels
The official tournament hotel is the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, directly on Avenue Princesse Grace and within walking distance of the Country Club. During tournament week, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and Monte-Carlo Beach all offer tailored packages that may include premium grandstand seats. Booking well in advance is essential: accommodation in Monaco during tournament week fills quickly, and rates rise sharply as April approaches.
Residents of Monaco, naturally, need no hotel at all. Owning property here means watching the world’s best tennis from one of Europe’s most desirable addresses. If the idea is beginning to take shape, Baldo Realty Group can give you a frank and informed picture of what is currently available, on and off the market.
Broadcast: Where to Watch Remotely
If attending in person is not possible, the 2026 tournament has broader international coverage than ever.
- France: Full tournament on Eurosport; one match per day on France.tv; the final on France 4
- USA: Tennis Channel
- Italy: Sky Italia
- UK: Sky UK
- Germany: Sky Germany
- Global streaming: Tennis TV
All three main courts are fully televised. The new HawkVision system means broadcast quality in 2026 takes another step up, with 60 unified digital cameras offering angles previously unavailable to television audiences.
Beyond the Courts: Monaco in April
April is one of the finest months in Monaco. The winter crowds have gone, the summer influx has not yet arrived, and the Principality is at its most comfortable: temperatures in the low-to-mid twenties, clear skies, and the Mediterranean beginning to warm up.
Tournament week gives visitors a structured reason to explore properly. The Casino de Monte-Carlo, designed by Charles Garnier and opened in 1863, is less than ten minutes from the Country Club by bus. The Oceanographic Museum, founded by Prince Albert I in 1910, sits above the old town and offers one of the most compelling scientific collections in Europe. The Larvotto beach and its neighbours are accessible on foot from Avenue Princesse Grace. And for those interested in what Monaco’s property market actually looks like from the inside, the neighbourhoods that ring the Country Club, from Larvotto to La Rousse, give an immediate sense of how the Principality is built.
For a broader picture of Monaco life and the properties that define it, our article on the finest residences in Monaco is a good starting point. And for context on what the Côte d’Azur looks like as a long-term base, see our piece on living in the French Riviera.
Points for Change: The Tournament’s Charitable Commitment
Since 2023, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters has run its Points for Change initiative in partnership with BNP Paribas, linking each point played during matches to a charitable donation. In 2025, the campaign raised €37,204 for GEMLUC (the Monégasque group fighting cancer). In 2026, the initiative targets a specific cause: funding external breast prostheses for patients treated for breast cancer at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace. It is one of the more direct examples of a major sporting event embedding its local civic responsibility into the match schedule itself.
Key Information Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | April 4 to 12, 2026 |
| Draw | Friday, April 3, 5:00 pm |
| Venue | Monte-Carlo Country Club, 155 Avenue Princesse Grace, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin |
| Surface | Clay |
| Category | ATP Masters 1000 |
| Draw size | 56 singles, 28 doubles teams |
| Gates open | 9:30 am daily |
| Children’s Day | Sunday, April 5, from 10:00 am |
| Grande Nuit du Tennis | Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 pm, Salle des Étoiles |
| Tickets | store.montecarlotennismasters.com |
| Contact | +377 97 98 70 00 / info@smett.mc |
Thinking About Living in Monaco?
One week in Monaco is rarely enough. The Principality rewards people who stay. Its combination of a zero income tax environment, world-class new developments like Mareterra, and a position at the centre of the most remarkable concentration of events in Europe makes it genuinely unlike anywhere else. The tournament is the most visible expression of that. But the 350 other days of the year are very good too.
Baldo Realty Group specialises in Monaco’s luxury property market, with particular expertise in discreet, off-market transactions for international buyers. If you are ready to explore what is available, contact our team directly. We work across the full market, from established residences to new-build opportunities, and we handle the process with the discretion that Monaco property transactions require.
Sources
- Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters Official Press Release, March 10, 2026 — 18 of Top 20 Confirmed
- Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters — Children’s Day 2026, March 16, 2026
- Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters — Hospitality Packages 2026
- Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters — Ticket Prices 2026
- Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters — Travel Options
- Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters — Tournament Info
- Monte-Carlo SBM — Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2026
- ATP Tour — Official World Rankings
This article is published for informational purposes only. Tournament schedules, ticket prices, and player confirmations are subject to change. Always verify current information via the official Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters website before making any bookings. This article does not constitute financial or investment advice.