Big hitters out of action in Monaco

After missing the Miami Masters due to leg injuries, it now looks like Frenchman, Gael Monfils, won't be taking part in the upcoming Monte-Carlo Masters event in Monaco. In a twitter message at the end of March Gael Monfils revealed that he has a patellar chondropathy, damage to the cartilage lining of the kneecap, and a slight tear in his Achilles heel, which will no doubt take him out for the majority of the clay court season. After a great display in the finals of Monte-Carlo Masters 2016, where he lost in the final set to Rafael Nadal, Monfils will be sad to miss another opportunity to entertain the crowds in Monaco.

Another injury worry is World No 1 Andy Murray. Another top name to have missed the Miami Open last month, we will not know Murray's elbow injury will hold up under serious match pressure, especially when serving, until he returns to the Tour at the Monte Carlo Open this weekend.

Monaco's darling, Novak Djokovic, has suffered his own elbow problems and began to show a return to form as he led Serbia to victory in the Davis Cup quarterfinal against Spain last week. After a disappointing show in the 2016 Monte-Carlo Masters we will all be hoping that Djokovic can reign supreme once more in Monaco.

Not dealing with an injury but instead focussing on a win a Wimbledon, Roger Federer has revealed that he will, in fact, be skipping most of the two-month clay court season. After back to back wins at the 2017 Australian Open, the Indian Wells Masters and most recently, the Miami Open Masters, Federer has had an amazing start to the season.

With World No 3 Stan Wawrinka, Canadian Milos Raonic and the strong French force of Jo-Wilfred Tsonga still in the mix, the 2017 Monte-Carlo Masters is still sure to be a fantastic event. Stay tuned for more news.