The first full day of main draw action at the 2026 Rolex Monte Carlo Masters delivered a massive shock to the tennis world as three-time champion Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed out in the opening round. On a day filled with high drama at the Monte Carlo Country Club, 2023 champion Andrey Rublev managed to survive a difficult three-set test to keep his title hopes alive. With World No. 3 Novak Djokovic already absent due to a persistent shoulder injury, the tournament landscape has shifted significantly as the European clay-court swing officially hits top gear.
Stefanos Tsitsipas Suffers Shock Exit To Cerundolo
The biggest surprise of the Round of 64 on Monday was the defeat of Stefanos Tsitsipas. His attempt to win a fourth title in the Principality was over before it had even properly started. Up against the 16th-seeded Francisco Cerundolo, Tsitsipas had difficulty finding his rhythm on the red clay and was finally defeated 7-5, 6-4. This is the Greek star’s historic low point, as it is the first time in his eight career appearances that he has not won his opening match in Monaco. Cerundolo’s aggressive baseline shots were too much for Tsitsipas, who, after this loss, is expected to fall to his lowest ATP ranking since 2018.
Disciplined performance 🇦🇷
Francisco Cerundolo knocks out the three-time champion Tsitsipas 7-5 6–4!#RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/hQXMK0dL50
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 6, 2026
Andrey Rublev Battles Pain To Defeat Nuno Borges
When Tsitsipas got a shocker, Andrey Rublev demonstrated amazing determination to escape a comparable misfortune at Court Rainier III. The 13th-best player in the world was almost defeated in an exhausting match by the Portuguese Nuno Borges, in which Rublev was experiencing shoulder pain. Eventually, Rublev went through a medical timeout and, despite the pain, turned the match around to come away with the score of 6-4, 1-6, 6-1. After the match, Rublev said it was a “mental victory” as he had to rely on his game even though his body was constantly giving him negative signals.
Wawrinka Bids Farewell As Baez Progresses
The day also saw an emotional departure for former champion Stan Wawrinka. The 2014 winner, competing in what is rumoured to be his final appearance in Monaco, was defeated by Argentina’s Sebastian Baez in a tight 7-5, 7-5 battle. Baez’s victory sets up a blockbuster second-round match against defending champion and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
Stanislas Wawrinka:
A name forever etched into Monte-Carlo history.
Merci, @stanwawrinka ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pVlMolcQr9
— Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (@ROLEXMCMASTERS) April 6, 2026
Other notable winners from Monday included Jiri Lehecka, who overcame Emilio Nava in a three-hour marathon, and local favourite Valentin Vacherot, who delighted the home crowd with a spirited comeback win over Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
Also See – In Pics | Jannik Sinner to Carlos Alcaraz: The Elite Entry List for Monte Carlo Open 2026
