AS the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Draft Central is extending the fantasy tennis coverage throughout the ATP and WTA seasons to simulate tournaments and see just how they might have gone down. The next ATP tournament to be completed will be the Monte Carlo Open, which was meant to be held in April. 

FAVOURITE

Rafael Nadal (SPAIN)

With 11 wins at Monte Carlo under his belt already, Nadal will hope to wrestle the title back after dropping it to Fabio Fognini in the 2019 semi-finals. The clay court champion won a record eight consecutive Monte Carlo titles so cannot be overlooked in this one, with the consistency and intensity to add another title edging ever closer to 90.

CONTENDERS

Dominic Thiem (AUSTRIA)

The third seed is a consistent competitor on the clay and will be a tough battle in his half of the draw. However it can be only one of he and Nadal that makes it to the end, with the talented duo to come up against the other if they both make it to the semi-finals. Thiem is yet to win a title here so will be raring to go, especially after drawing a qualifier in the first round.

Novak Djokovic (SERBIA)

The world number one has had a solid year and while he only has the two Monte Carlo titles under his belt – defeating Nadal both times, albeit once in a semi – Djokovic is always a tough competitor regardless of the court surface. Djokovic will likely take on unseeded clay courter Benoit Paire in the second round but has some tough competition in his side of the draw, making for a fascinating contest.

Roger Federer (SWITZERLAND)

Fifth seed Federer may be on his way back from injury but he is another who cannot be underestimated with the class and drive to go far here. While the Swiss Master may only have 11 clay titles under his belt – no small feat, except when compared to his 92 other titles – he is still an impressive contender in ultimately any tournament he plays. 

ROUGHIE

Fabio Fognini (ITALY)

Last year’s Monte Carlo victor, Fognini will look to back up a strong effort in the Marrakech Open which saw him take on Alexander Zverev in the final. That being said, Fognini has a tough draw – potentially taking on veteran Andy Murray in the Round of 32 before a potential match-up with Zverev once more in the Round of 16 – and then if he were to succeed, Nadal is the big test in the third round. 

DARK HORSE

Andy Murray (GREAT BRITAIN)

Murray might have stepped out of retirement, but is never one to underestimate even with only the three clay court titles under his belt. A threatening fixture with plenty of intensity and drive, Murray could be a tough battle and while he may not make the end he could put doubt in a few players’ minds with his constant pressure and ability to push players to the end.