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Month: April 2024

Djokovic, Sinner, Tsitsipas and Medvedev all through to the third round of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

by: Elsa Carpenter
10/04/2024

Though rain has caused some delays on court at the 2024 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, it hasn’t dampened the spirits of the players and spectators, who are now midway through the tournament. The third round is about to begin and then it will be on to the quarterfinals. Here are the latest results.

Play was delayed for several hours on Tuesday 9th April due to the poor conditions, but there was plenty of action on court once the tennis resumed in the afternoon. 

Among those to play were top seed Novak Djokovic, who sailed past Roman Safiullin and secured his place in the third round.  

“It’s a great start. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves and put the hopes too high,” said two-time Rolex Masters champion Djokovic in a post-match press conference. “It’s only one match, but the way I felt, I’m really pleased. It’s just the beginning of the tournament. It’s one match. I’m going to hope to work tomorrow to maintain that rhythm and focus, obviously try to perform as well as I did in the second match as I did today.” 

See more: Monaco to run free shuttle service during Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

The No. 1 men’s ATP seed will face Italian player Lorenzo Musetti in the Round of 16. Musetti put Djokovic out of the competition at the same stage last year.  

“He obviously is one of the most talented players on clay, a beautiful one-handed backhand,” said the Serb of his next rival. “He’s very athletic. He can do a lot of great things. He’s one of the most promising young players not only from Italy, but generally for the world.” 

Australian compatriots Alex de Minaur, ranked 11th, who defeated former champion Stan Wawrinka in the Round of 64 before beating the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor in the second stage, and Alexei Popyrin are another pair next to face each other in the third round after successes apiece on Wednesday 10th April. Popyrin secured his place by winning against the defending champion of the tournament, the sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev.  

Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego will come up against France’s Ugo Humbert in the third round, while Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, ranked 10th, will face Norway’s Casper Ruud, who is currently ranked eighth in the world. Men’s tennis’ fifth ranked player, the German Alexander Zverev, will play Greece’s Stefano Tsitsipas, ranked 12th by the ATP.

See more: Exclusive Interview: Getting to know tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas

Karen Khachanov’s rival in the Round of 16 will be Daniil Medvedev, the ATP’s fourth ranked player.  

Italy’s Jannik Sinner, second in the rankings to Djokovic, is confirmed to be through to the Round of 16. He will play Jan-Lennard Struff. 

The final third round pairing could see Denmark’s Holger Rune, ranked seventh in the world, play the ninth-ranked Grigor Dimitrov. The players will first have to beat India’s Sumit Nagal and Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic, respectively.  

Read related:

Interview: ATP Top 10 tennis pro Grigor Dimitrov

 

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Photo of Novak Djokovic by Monaco Life

Exclusive Interview: Getting to know tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas 

by: Celina Lafuente de Lavotha
10/04/2024

In between his busy training sessions and Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters tournament matches, Stefanos Tsitsipas found the time to speak to Celina Lafuente de Lavotha for Monaco Life about tennis, life, and how he loves to spend his time off the court. 

Stefanos Tsitsipas has won 10 ATP Tour titles, including back-to-back Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters titles in 2021 and 2022. Having reached the second round, he is a serious contender for a third title this year.

In 2019, Tsitsipas clinched victory at the Nitto Finals, marking his inaugural entry into this elite-level competition. Notable among his Grand Slam performances are his appearances in the finals at Roland Garros in 2021 and the Australian Open in 2023, both times falling short against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. His pinnacle in the rankings came in August 2021, reaching the esteemed position of world No. 3. Presently, he stands at ATP 12.

As the 25-year-old shared with Monaco Life between matches this week, Monaco is not only the place where he resides, but also a community where he thrives and feels deeply connected.

Monaco Life: What do you like to do when you are off the court in Monaco? 

Stefanos Tsitsipas: I recently discovered a restaurant called Castelroc close to the Palace that I like to frequent; it is very peaceful. I enjoy good food so I like to go to my favourite hangouts in Monaco like Beefbar, Maya Bay, The Niwaki, and Budha Bar with friends and family; and also Gaia for Greek food of course.

I like to take my car to explore hidden gems and beaches in the area. The whole Cote d’Azur is a region with so many wonderful spots and great scenery.

I had the chance to take a helicopter ride to Valensole, a charming Provencal town that overlooks a lavender valley. I am an amateur photographer, so it was an opportunity to take great pictures. I tasted lavender ice-cream and took home delicious lavender biscuits. It was fun; I will definitely do it again!

There are also many interesting sites to discover in nearby Italy, and Italian food is excellent.

The many options we have located just a few minutes away from Monaco are unlimited.

Stefanos Tsitsipas on the court. Credit: Mihai Stetcu

Why are you passionate about promoting tennis on and off the court?

Tennis is such a fantastic sport and deserves full recognition. It is one of the few individual sports where you do not need a team to play. I am very happy to have built a career and a lifestyle around it. My goal is to promote it not only in my country of Greece but globally.

In particular, I want to encourage the use of the classical single-handed backhand that stopped being popular in the 1930’s. The one-handed backhand is such a powerful and effective stroke, and if you do it properly, it leaves opponents amazed.

I also want to attract more children to this sport, and encourage them to pursue the one-handed backhand. It is a technically difficult shot but you can certainly learn to master it if you put your mind to it.

You’ve said publicly that you plan on bringing home an Olympic gold medal for Greece at the upcoming Paris games. Why is this important for you?

The Olympic Games is the leading international sporting event for all sports, including tennis. I am very proud to participate on behalf of my country and the sport I love, in the best possible way, and show the people of Greece that they are well represented and good things are coming!

“My goal is to be better, to stay at the top of my game, and conquer more awards.”

You were named Greek Male Athlete of the Year in 2019. What did that title mean for you?

I had a great season in 2019, marked by an amazing victory at the Nitto ATP Finals. It was my first time participating in this competition and it gave me a major boost of confidence.

Being recognised as Greek Athlete of the Year helped me realise the impact I had in sports in Greece, and it inspired me to to push myself even more to defend that title. My goal is to be better, to stay at the top of my game, and conquer more awards.

Stefanos Tsitsipas plans on bringing home to Greece a medal at this year’s Paris Olympics. Credit: Mihai Stetcu

What does living in the Principality of Monaco mean to you?

I truly enjoy living in Monaco as it has everything that’s needed for me to develop both professionally and personally.

I had seriously thought about which other places I could live, that could offer similar conditions and lifestyle; places that allow me to have easy access to other parts of the world. But no other city offers so many advantages. Thanks to Monaco’s central location in Europe, I can hop on a flight and in a few hours be anywhere in Europe, as well as the USA.

“Most importantly, I feel very welcome in Monaco. I have become part of this country as an athlete.”

It is a country that offers a solid base where I am able to train with top players, and it has a good gym, which is essential for my work off the court. Monaco has it all!

The Mediterranean weather is also a very attractive factor. Besides, Monaco offers the opportunity to be by the sea or to go to the mountains nearby. And the food options are amazing!

Most importantly, I feel very welcome in Monaco. I have become part of this country as an athlete.

What does the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters mean to you? 

I was victorious two years in a row here in 2021and 2022, and I have many supporters here, which gives me lots of joy.

I have not only built a home in Monaco, but I am also part of a community that allows me to flourish and develop into a better person.

SEE ALSO:

Interview: ATP Top 10 tennis pro Grigor Dimitrov

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Main photo of Stefanos Tsitsipas. Credit: Mihai Stetcu

Missoni opens new boutique in the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo mall

by: Niki Borisova
10/04/2024
missoni monte-carlo

Italian fashion house Missoni, known for its unique knitwear and signature patterns, has opened its first-ever Monaco store at the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo mall.  

The brand-new address in the heart of the Monte-Carlo neighbourhood is, in part, thanks to the backing of the FSI, the Italian Strategic Fund, which helps Italian businesses expand their reach on an international scale.  

Missoni was founded in 1953 by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni, and, since its inception, has grown into a globally appreciated marque that epitomises Italian craftsmanship and stylish design. 

In a statement, Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo’s management team revealed, “We are delighted to announce the long-awaited opening of Missoni at Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo. Present in over 60 countries and with 18 stores in France, the famous Italian brand now becomes an essential part of our luxury destination in the heart of Monte-Carlo.” 

See more: Getting to know Monaco: Monte Carlo, the centre of glamour and opulence

The new boutique is to be found on Level 2 of the mall.  

Read related:

A guide to the best shopping malls in and around Monaco

 

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Photo source: Missoni

France: Senate votes to restrict the transport sector’s right to strike

by: Stephanie Horsman
10/04/2024

France’s upper legislative house, the Senate, has just adopted a bill that denies workers in the transportation sector the right to strike during certain busy periods in a bid to “ensure continuity of service”. 

The transportation sector in France is bracing itself for a major blow, as the country’s Senate has voted 211 to 112 in favour of preventing workers’ legal right to strike on 30 designated days each year.  

The bill is designed to prevent chaos during peak periods, such as school and public holidays, as well as during events of “major importance” like the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

The text states that the right to strike will be limited to a maximum of seven consecutive days. It applies to all workers, but excludes those working for airlines. It also demands that the deadline for declaring a strike be raised from the current 48 hours to 72, and that a minimum level of service during peak times be maintained during strike periods.  

NOT A DONE DEAL 

While the bill has been passed by the Senate, it is not a done deal quite yet. It will now go to France’s lower legislative branch, the National Assembly, to see if MPs agree with the terms.  

Read related:

Coming soon: Unlimited monthly train pass for France’s under 27s that costs just €49

 

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Photo by Monaco Life

Limited edition Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters stamp released

by: Stephanie Horsman
10/04/2024
rolex monte-carlo masters stamp

A beautiful new commemorative stamp featuring a stylised scene of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in play on the famous clay courts of the Monte-Carlo Country Club has been released by Monaco’s Office des Timbres. Here’s everything fans of the tournament and avid philatelists need to know about the limited edition run.

Designed by Eric Garence, the 2024 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters commemorative stamp is a stunning tribute to the 117th edition of the annual tournament.  

The Masters, which is running from 6th to 14th April, marks the start of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) World Masters 1000 season and is also the first major European men’s tennis event of the year. 

The value of the limited edition stamp is €1.96, and it can be purchased as a mint or cancelled stamp. For €0.60 more, collectors can order a stamped edition.  

The single stamps are sold in sheets of 10, and there are only 40,000 individual stamps in total that will be issued.  

There is also a limited edition Tennis Folder for sale. This collector’s item includes a spread of 19 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters stamps from over the years, all housed in a lovely red velvet folding case. The cost of this is €38.  

For more information or to order your copy, click here. 

Read related:

The story and meaning behind Monaco’s latest stamp collection

 

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Photo credit: Office des Timbres de Monaco  

New innovative projects sought for MonacoTech incubation

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/04/2024

MonacoTech, the government startup incubator and accelerator, has announced a new call for projects.

From 9th April to 14th May, aspiring innovators worldwide are invited to submit their groundbreaking ideas through the dedicated MonacoTech website, www.monacotech.mc.

MonacoTech welcomes projects in GreenTech, BlueTech, Smart Yachting, MedTech/BioTech, FinTech, and Artificial Intelligence. Applicants are encouraged to present concepts equipped with functional prototypes and preferably initial validations, demonstrating the potential of their ventures to thrive.

The selection process begins with the submission of online applications, video interviews in early June, and project presentations before a jury in late June, paving the way for incubation commencement slated for September.

The selection panel will consider various criteria such as the novelty and relevance of the innovation, scalability of the proposed business model, and the depth of expertise within the founding team. Equally paramount is the commitment exhibited by the entrepreneurs to fully immerse themselves in the project, fostering its growth within the confines of the Principality.

Successful applicants will have access to tailored support spanning 18 months, encompassing both technical guidance and financial resources. Moreover, they will gain privileged access to an extensive network of industry experts, unlocking unprecedented avenues for collaboration and growth.

SEE ALSO:

From love to legalities, Lawyer Christine Pasquier-Ciulla reveals why a prenup is key for Monaco residents

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