Third-seeded Medvedev received a bye in the first round but soon made quick work of his match with Sonego, defeating him in just two sets in his first clay court match of the year.
It was an early lead for Medvedev and he stayed his relentless self throughout the entire match.
“Every match is a struggle [on clay], but I have had some good matches on clay,” said Medvedev.
“I managed to play good against a very strong player on clay. Lorenzo is very strong. Here in Monte-Carlo there are a lot of Italians in the crowd, but a lot of French also, so it was fun to play, and I am happy to beat such a tough opponent.”
Sonego entered the Monte-Carlo as a wildcard and though usually a very adept player, he fell short of his attack on third-seeded Medvedev.
“It’s completely different on clay, but confidence is confidence,” said Medvedev.
“It’s about winning matches, because it is always two players that play, and one is going to win… I hope to bring this confidence even further.”
Medvedev and Zverev have an ATP Head to Head score of 7-6 with Medvedev leading.
“We’ve had some tough matches,” said Medvedev.
“We played for the first time maybe seven years ago on the ATP Tour, and in juniors maybe 12 years ago. I remember I beat him once in a final on clay in juniors, but it’s going to be a different story.
“I saw him in the first two matches, he seemed to be in good shape. I’m just going to have to be at my best.”