3 players who are favorites to win Monte-Carlo Masters 2023 ft. Novak Djokovic

The Monte-Carlo Masters, which got underway on Sunday, is the first tournament in the European Clay Swing. It is renowned for its exquisite venue and wonderful playing conditions. However, the tournament has lost some of its sheen this year, with the likes of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Felix Auger-Aliassime not competing.

Nevertheless, here's a look at three players with the best chance of winning this year’s Monte-Carlo Masters.

#1 Two-time Monte-Carlo Masters Champion Novak Djokovic

Djokovic is the favorite to win any tournament he enters, even though he is nearing the age of 36. And this year’s Monte-Carlo Masters is no exception. The Serb did not play the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami and hence, should be quite fresh for the clay court season in Europe.

Djokovic's ultimate goal will be to win the French Open this year and surpass Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22 Grand Slams. However, for that to happen, he will need to get himself into a good rhythm by playing as many build-up tournaments as possible.

The 22-time Major winner has a complete game and although he is most comfortable on hard courts, he is still a formidable force on clay. He has won the Monte-Carlo Masters twice (2013, 2015) and might have it many more times if it weren't for Nadal.

The only negative for Djokovic is that this will be his first tournament on clay since the 2022 French Open. Still, the Serb will take some beating.

#2 Two-time Monte-Carlo Masters Champion Stefanos Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas will be aiming for his third straight title in Monte Carlo

Stefanos Tsitsipas is the defending champion in Monte Carlo and considers clay his favorite surface. He will, however, hope that he does not run into his nemesis Djokovic, who beat him in the finals of the 2021 French Open and 2023 Australian Open.

Aside from his relatively weak one-handed backhand, Tsitsipas’ shortcomings are primarily mental. But he will have to overcome them if he is to improve his stature as a player.

Still, one has to remember that Tsitsipas is among the best in the world on red clay and will definitely start as one of the favorites in Monte Carlo. He has won the Monte-Carlo Masters on each of the last two occasions and will fancy his chances of going all the way once again.

#3 Casper Ruud

Ruud made the final of last year’s French Open and has won a number of ATP 250 titles on clay. Still, his lack of success in bigger tournaments continues to haunt the Norwegian.

Ruud's greatest strength is his forehand and he's quite strong off the backhand side as well. However, unlike Tsitsipas, Ruud does not possess a particularly strong serve. He does make up for it, however, with excellent court coverage and disciplined shotmaking.

Moreover, the absence of a number of top players should help his cause. Ruud will look to get back on track and make amends for a poor start to his season.