Preview and Schedule Monte-Carlo Masters Day Two: Medvedev and Shelton lead the action; Wawrinka and Fognini eye comeback wins

Monday, April 7 will feature the completion of the Monte-Carlo Masters first round, as players compete to secure the remaining spots in the round of 32. Day Two will bring several unpredictable matchups, including appearances from Daniil Medvedev, Matteo Berrettini, and Ben Shelton among the main stars.

Former champions Stan Wawrinka and Fabio Fognini, both granted wildcards, will aim to show their best form against South Americans Alejandro Tabilo and Francisco Cerúndolo — two clay-court specialists who enter as favourites, at least in terms of ranking. However, Monte-Carlo is the perfect stage for seasoned former champions to spring a surprise.

The day opens with a high-voltage clash as 3-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka takes on Chilean Alejandro Tabilo. The Swiss star was granted a deserved wildcard as a former champion — back in 2014 he lifted the trophy after beating compatriot Roger Federer in the final. Now, 11 years later, he faces a tough challenge against World No. 32 Tabilo, who has already made big statements on clay, including a win over Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Italian Open. Although not currently in top form, the Chilean often finds his confidence on clay.

Next up will be 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti, a quarterfinalist in Monte-Carlo last year (losing to Jannik Sinner), and a clay-court titleholder in Hamburg 2022 where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the final. He’ll face Chinese qualifier Bu Yunchaokete.

Possibly the most exciting match of the day features 9th seed Daniil Medvedev against fellow Russian Karen Khachanov. They’ve met 8 times (Medvedev leads 6-2), but on clay it was Khachanov who prevailed — in Monte-Carlo 2023 with a straight-sets win. It will be the first clay tournament of the season for both, and Medvedev has notoriously struggled on this surface.

The day will close with Italian wildcard Fabio Fognini, winner of his only Masters 1000 title right here in Monte-Carlo in 2019 (where he famously defeated Rafael Nadal). He takes on the in-form Francisco Cerúndolo, who recently reached the quarterfinals at both Indian Wells and Miami. The Argentine also had a solid Golden Swing in South America and arrives with an 8–3 record on clay in 2025.

The day begins with Czech player Jiri Lehecka facing American Sebastian Korda in what will be their second career meeting. Lehecka is part of the rising Czech generation — along with Mensik and Machac — and currently sits at World No. 29. Their only previous encounter was in the 2024 Adelaide International semifinals, where Lehecka dominated 6-2, 6-1.

Next on court is always-entertaining Gaël Monfils, who will face qualifier Fabian Marozsán. Though not a household name, the Hungarian earned his biggest win on clay at the 2023 Rome Open, defeating none other than Carlos Alcaraz.

Later in the day, Argentina’s clay-court specialist Mariano Navone takes on Italian Matteo Berrettini. The South American thrives on clay, capable of maintaining long rallies from the baseline. Berrettini will need a strong serve and aggressive play to avoid a surprise upset.

Wrapping up the day’s action is Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina against 11th seed Ben Shelton. While the American did win a clay title at the 2024 U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships, the surface doesn’t naturally suit his game. On the other hand, Davidovich Fokina — like many Spaniards — thrives on slower courts.