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2018 French Open Tennis Tournament – Rafael Nadal of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia while playing a tie break doubles exhibition match against Simone Halep of Romania and Alexander Zverev of Germany on Court Philippe Chatrier during a packed Children’s Day at Roland Garros before the start of the 2018 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 26th 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
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2018 French Open Tennis Tournament – Rafael Nadal of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia while playing a tie break doubles exhibition match against Simone Halep of Romania and Alexander Zverev of Germany on Court Philippe Chatrier during a packed Children’s Day at Roland Garros before the start of the 2018 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 26th 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
The first clay-court Masters tournament of 2021, the Monte-Carlo Masters, kicked off on a rather emotional note. Spanish Rafael Nadal and Serbian Novak Djokovic joined H.S.H Prince Albert II and Miss Melanie-Antoinette de Massy to unveil Baroness Elizabeth-Ann de Massy’s plaque.
As the president of the Monegasque Tennis Federation and the Monte-Carlo Country Club, the Baroness had done wonders, and every tennis player adored her immeasurably. Sadly, she passed away last year on June 10.
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain after the ATP Cup Final that Serbia won in 3 sets on day 10 of the ATP Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Hence, the Baroness’ first cousin H.S.H Prince Albert II could not have inaugurated the tournament without remembering her. Rafael Nadal, who called her ‘La Madame’ shared a picture of the ceremony on Instagram.
Rafa wrote, “Today, Nole and I remembered Madame de Massy, accompanying Prince Albert de Monaco and Melanie de Massy. We will miss having the Baroness with us.” The unveiled plaque will later find its place in the main alley of the Monte-Carlo Country Club.
Undoubtedly, the Monte-Carlo Masters has one of the most beautiful locations for a tennis stadium. In addition, the former president also made it the most beloved tournament for many players. She will now be an integral part of the club more than her spirit.
Read More: “They Will Not End Their Career So Soon”: Hubert Hurkacz Aims to Beat Federer, Nadal and Djokovic
Who has a better chance to win the Monte-Carlo Masters – Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal?
Both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are looking forward to starting their clay-court season with flying colors. While the Serbian is chasing his third title, the Spaniard is bidding for a record-extending 12th Monte-Carlo title.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain after winning the match point during their final singles match daring day 10 of the ATP Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
It is indeed a special tournament for both of them. Most significantly, in 2013, Djokovic denied Nadal his ninth consecutive Monte-Carlo Masters title and ended the Spaniard’s 46-match winning streak in the final.
This year, both of them face a mighty path to the final. However, Djokovic and Nadal’s experience on the turf will assist them in overcoming the next-generation players.
Djokovic’s opponents as per seedings are R1: Bye, R2: Jannik Sinner, R3: Hubert Hurkacz, QFs: Alexander Zverev, SFs: Stefanos Tsitsipas, Final: Rafael Nadal.
Nadal’s opponents as per seedings are R1: Bye, R2: Adrian Mannarino / Qualifier, R3: Grigor Dimitrov, QFs: Andrey Rublev / Roberto Bautista Agut, SFs: Daniil Medvedev, Final: Novak Djokovic.
Who do you think will be named the winner of Monte-Carlo Masters 2021?
Also Read: What Records Rafael Nadal Is Chasing in This Clay-Court Season?
