Rafael Nadal is about to start his run in Monte Carlo, where he won the event on 11 occasions. However, the King of Clay will have to be confined in the hotel, while Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev will have the luxury to stay at their home. Djokovic, Medvedev, Zverev are all residents in Monte Carlo, and therefore, they can avoid staying in the so-called bio-bubble.
Injuries
This will be the first tournament for Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic after the Australian Open. Unfortunately, both of them got injured in Melbourne. Nadal had a lower back issue while Djokovic was struggling with a torn abdominal muscle since the third round. According to reports, both of them have fully recovered.
The tournament will start next weekend the Rafael Nadal will be only seeded the number three because of his ranking. The King of Clay is widely considered as the top favorite to win the event. The local organization also managed to secure the participation of rising Italian star Lorenzo Musetti that received a wild card for the main draw.
The defending champion is Fabio Fognini that won the tournament in the Principality in 2019. This ATP 1000 was not staged in 2020 because of the global pandemic.
Rafael Nadal in 2021
Now the world no.3, Nadal played his last match on the 17th of February when he was defeated by world no.5 Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-6 2-6 7-6(4) 6-4 7-5 in the quarter of the Australian Open (draw).
At present, during this year Nadal owns an overall 4-1 record.
Novak Djokovic in 2021
Currently the world no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 21st of February when he beat world no.2 Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-2 6-2 in the final of the Australian Open to win his 82nd career title.
At the moment, during this season Djokovic owns a compiled 9-0 win-loss record. Djokovic clinched 1 title at the Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic faced off 56 times. Their actual record is 29-27 for Djokovic. Previously, the last time they locked horns, Rafael Nadal won 6-0 6-2 7-5 in the final in Paris (French Open) in October 2020.
In the following video you can watch the highlights.
Daniil Medvedev in 2021
At the moment ranked no.2 (career-high), Daniil played his last match on the 31st of March when he surrendered to world no.11 Roberto Bautista-Agut 6-4 6-2 in the quarter in Miami (draw).
At present, during this year Daniil has a 17-3 win-loss record. The Russian has won 1 title in Marseille. The Russian was the finalist at the Australian Open.
Alexander Zverev in 2021
Now ranked no.6, the German played his last match on the 26th of March when he capitulated to world no.75 Emil Ruusuvuori 1-6 6-3 6-1 in the 2nd round in Miami (draw).
At present, during this year Zverev has a 9-5 record. Alexander conquered 1 title in Acapulco.
Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev played each other 9 times. The head to head is 5-4 for Zverev. The last time they locked horns, Daniil Medvedev won 3-6 6-3 7-5 in the semifinal in Melbourne (ATP Cup) on the 6th of February 2021.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
