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Can Rafael Nadal defend at the Monte Carlo Masters?

By Harry Floyd

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Rafael Nadal of Spain speaks to members of the media after withdrawing from his men's singles semifinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland due to a right knee injury on Day 13 of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2019 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Rafael Nadal of Spain speaks to members of the media after withdrawing from his men's singles semifinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland due to a right knee injury on Day 13 of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2019 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /
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Rafael Nadal enters the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters as the defending champion but faces a difficult path to a title in the men’s field.

Who is the favorite in men’s singles this year at the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters? Is it Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic or someone else? Both top players face intensely difficult potential draws early on at the event. Nadal is the defending champion, defeating Kei Nishikori last year in straight sets to take the title. He needs to be at his best to do it again.

Nadal is the King of Clay and rightfully so. Still though, the Spanish superstar needs to prove that he has what it takes to go the distance this year during the clay court season. He is setting out to show us what he’s got at the Monte Carlo Masters.

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The world number two is an 11-time champion in men’s singles at this tournament. He is also the three-time defending champion. Prior to his three-peat, Djokovic took the title when he defeated Tomáš Berdych back in 2015.

Take a look at the full men’s singles draw HERE. One would think that, before you look into their potential matchups, Djokovic and Nadal stand an excellent chance to meet in the finals. Early on though, both face big challenges.

Djokovic could meet the likes of Philipp Kohlschreiber, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kyle Edmund or Diego Schwartzman in one of his first few matches.

Nadal could go up against the red hot Roberto Bautista Agut, Denis Shapovalov, or Grigor Dimitrov early on. Nothing is a lock when looking at some of the potential matchups at the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters. Other players to look out for of course include the third seeded Alexander Zverev, last year’s runner-up Nishikori, or even Dominic Thiem. Nadal and Djokovic need to open strong in each of their matches, leaving no room for an opponent to take advantage.

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Stay tuned to see how the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters shapes up. Action in men’s singles kicks off in the next few days and all eyes are on the likes of Nadal, Djokovic, and the rising ATP stars who could challenge the veteran greats.

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