Much of the coverage of the 2024 Monte-Carlo Draw Preview has focused on the fact that Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have landed in the same half. That means they would meet in the semifinals. But so many things would need to fall into place for that potential blockbuster to happen, and Djokovic has been out of form.
Newly anointed world number two Jannik Sinner resides on the opposite half of the 2024 Monte-Carlo Draw Preview.
With an injury-hampered Rafael Nadal out of the mix– and he’s still the king of clay– the Monte-Carlo glimmer shines on Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz. Among those 3 elite players, one stands out as the best on clay, and it’s not even close.
How Many Clay Court Titles Has Djokovic Won?
One of the greatest clay court tennis players of all time, Djokovic has won a stunning 19 clay court titles. His winning percentage on the surface is an otherworldly 80%. (For reference, it’s 84% on hard court.)
Novak’s “worst” surface (clay) is markedly better than Sinner’s best surface (hard). The Italian has built up a 77% success rate on hard, to only 68% on the dirt. By contrast, Alcaraz has an 80% win percentage on clay and a 75% on hard.
The GOAT’s first-ever ATP title came on this surface– at the 2006 Dutch Open. Sinner has one lone clay court title in his young career (Umag 2022). Alcaraz boasts 7 clay titles.
One player rises above the other two on this surface, at least right now. But at 36, Djokovic must be careful to calibrate himself to peak at Roland Garros and the Olympics.
2024 Monte-Carlo Draw Preview: Tournament Notes
Monte Carlo is a 64-player draw with 16 seeds and the top 8 receiving first-round byes.
The clay surface at this gorgeous club can be moody due to its seaside location, changing wind patterns and hillside perch. Sometimes the sun bakes the court. Sometimes the rain pillows it.
Both Djokovic and Sinner have homes in tax-friendly Monte-Carlo and practice often at the club, which technically sits just outside the principality in France. Alcaraz, on the other hand, still makes his home in his native Spain.
Americans in the 2024 Monte Carlo Draw
For what it’s worth, Americans typically play poorly at Monte-Carlo, perhaps due to a lack of red clay in the States and the abrupt change in conditions from the U.S.-based sunshine double.
Eager young Americans typically can’t wait to play at this stunning venue… only to leave with their tails between their hard-court-trained legs. The only Americans in the draw are Taylor Fritz, Marcos Giron and Sebastian Korda. Fritz has respectably quartered this tournament twice, including last year when he lost to 2-time champ Stefanos Tsitsipas. Fritz and Djokovic would meet in the round of 16.
Monte-Carlo Brackets
With Alcaraz and defending Monte-Carlo champion Andrey Rublev in his path, Djokovic has a tough draw.
Sinner, on the other hand, lands 4-seed Daniil Medvedev in his half. Meddy has often admitted clay is not his favorite surface, though he competes gamely on the dirt.
Monte-Carlo suits 7-seed Holger Rune, who made it all the way to the finals last year, but Holger has yet to settle himself in 2024. With those two high seeds in his half, Sinner has unquestionably drawn the easier path.
That said, with a smaller field of players and no WTA tournament running concurrently, the showcase of talent feels distilled. Pour yourself a flute of champagne, and enjoy.
Players to watch:
QF: Djokovic, Alcaraz, Zverev, Sinner
SF: Alcaraz, Sinner
F: Alcaraz
First Round Match To Catch: Aussie Jordan Thompson vs. wild card Gael Monfils. The Frenchman has had several good runs in M-C, including a memorable final in 2016 when he lost to Nadal in 3 sets.
