The debate among tennis players to get the COVID jab or not has been rising impatiently. For this matter, the ATP has now taken its first step. In effect, the upcoming Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 event will give preferential treatment to players who are vaccinated.

It is clearly a big decision that might stir up a hornet’s nest later on. But before we get into that, let us look at the advantage Monte-Carlo promises to the vaccine-optimist players.

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Preference for vaccinated players in Monte-Carlo Masters

Firstly, vaccinated players will have to do a mandatory COVID-19 test without exception. However, as a preference, they would be allotted at least five hours out of self-isolation. Undoubtedly, the 5-hour window will go a long way in their preparations for the tournament.

Although the rule is similar to that at the Australian Open, it partially favors the vaccinated players. Moreover, the immunised players and staff members will not be called ‘close contacts’ of someone transmitting coronavirus later on.

It also refreshes memories of the US Open last year, where Benoit Paire tested coronavirus positive, and people around him suffered inevitably. Admittedly, such a thing will not happen at the Monte-Carlo Masters this year.

So far, these are the two significant advantages disclosed on the matter. However, there could be a few making the surface in the coming week.

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Conclusively, the ATP has also urged players to submit their medical reports to become eligible for the preference. It would be interesting to hear from some players on the matter now.

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Who are the male players to look out for in Monte-Carlo?

Serbian World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will lead the ATP Monte-Carlo Masters’ main draw event. Following him, Russian Daniil Medvedev and 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will fill the next two spots.

Nonetheless, the next-generation players such as Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev will again aim to make a mark. Not to forget the young guns Jannik Sinner, Sebastian Korda, Lorenzo Musetti, Felix Auger-Aliassime, who are improving every dat.

Roberto Bautista Agut and Fabio Fognini will also look to impress with their sheer discipline and tactical gameplay. All in all, the Monte-Carlo Masters is on its way to becoming the next blockbuster tournament. It will run from April 11 – April 18 2021.

Who is your favorite at the Monte-Carlo Masters this year?

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