The ATP Monte Carlo Masters is here, and with it the (unofficial) start of the European clay season that will end in just over two months at Roland Garros. Notable absences not least Novak Djokovic (as well as Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper) have reshaped the landscape, but there is still plenty to get excited about — not least a pair of farewell appearances from two French icons on one of tennis’s most storied courts. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule from day one onwards. But who will reach the second round?

ATP Monte Carlo Day 1 Predictions
Marton Fucsovics vs Alejandro Tabilo

Head-to-head: Fucsovics 1-0 Tabilo 

Marton Fucsovics has shown he can still produce big wins on the big stage — he upset Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets at Indian Wells earlier this season. Alejandro Tabilo is the more dangerous player on clay right now, though. The Chilean’s clean, flat hitting off both wings and ability to press forward give him more ways to win than the Hungarian. Their lone meeting went Fucsovics’ way, but Tabilo’s ball-striking and current level should edge it this time.

Prediction: Tabilo in 3

Moise Kouame vs Ugo Humbert

Head-to-head: first meeting

The 17-year-old Moise Kouame earned a main draw victory on his ATP Masters 1000 debut in Miami last month and the young Frencman is surely one of the most exciting young wildcards in Monte Carlo in years. His athleticism and aggression from the baseline have already turned heads. Humbert, though, is a very different challenge. The Frenchman is one of the tour’s best servers and can take the ball early on both wings, making him hard to settle against even on slower clay. Kouame’s moment will come, but Humbert’s serve and flat ball-striking should prove too much for now.

Prediction: Humbert in 2

Cameron Norrie vs Miomir Kecmanovic

Head-to-head: Norrie 3–0 Kecmanovic 

Somewhat unusually for a Briton, Cameron Norrie is a natural clay-court player, his heavy topspin, relentless movement and left-handed angles make him a genuine threat on the surface. Miomir Kecmanovic has reached Masters 1000 quarterfinal level on clay before and is no pushover, but the head-to-head tells a clear story. Norrie has won all three of their previous meetings, and his consistency from the back of the court should give him the edge again here.

Prediction: Norrie in 3​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Gael Monfils vs Tallon Griekspoor

Head-to-head: Griekspoor 1-0 Monfils

Gael Monfils is playing the ATP Monte Carlo Masters for the final time in his career, with his best result here a final run in 2016. The crowd will be right behind him, and his movement and defensive instincts on clay can still be genuinely special. Tallon Griekspoor, though, is a tough draw for anyone. He has been a consistent presence on clay with a powerful serve and the ability to mix pace and spin effectively. He leads the head-to-head, and his current level should edge it despite the occasion.

Prediction: Griekspoor in 3