The Monte Carlo Masters is one of the oldest tournaments to be played on clay. In 2006, it celebrated its 100th anniversary. But recently, given the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown measures, the authorities cancelled the event in 2020. It was held behind closed doors in 2021. However, with the restrictions being somewhat relaxed, organisers hope to open the 2022 edition to the audience.

The tournament director Zeljko Franulovic opened up about this year’s preparations during the tournament presentation conference. Also present at the event was ATP’s chairman, Andrea Gaudenzi. While Franulovic said that the final list will not be released until the 14th of March, he did hint at the possibility of having “Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and other top 10 players” in the draw.

Also read: ‘To Be Continued…’: Rafael Nadal Once Gave Roger Federer a Collage of Their Famous On-Court Moments

Gaudenzi talks about the return of Roger Federer

Roger Federer and tennis have been almost synonymous for the last two decades. After his absence on tour, fans and supporters are eager to see him back on tour, as always.

The Swiss maestro, however, has been off the circuit since the 2021 Wimbledon, where he reached the quarterfinals. He defeated Richard Gasquet, Cameron Norrie and Lorenzo Sonego, before falling to Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.

Plagued by a knee injury for quite some time now, he announced that he had undergone another surgical procedure after the grass-court season. He mentioned that while rehabilitation might take many months; he hoped to be back on tour in 2022.

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When Gaudenzi was asked for his opinion with regards to Federer’s return, he evaded talking about specific dates and tournaments.

“Roger is over 40 years old. Every match he plays from now on will be a gift for us. We obviously can’t wait for him to be on the tour again, but he is taking his time after the operations he has undergone. We cross fingers,” he said.

(Quotes have been translated using Google Translate)

Surely the huge fan base of Federer resonates with Gaudenzi’s views. ATPTour.com Fans’ Favourite award winner for 19 consecutive times, fans hope to see the 20 time Grand Slam Champion back to doing what he does best!

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