Former Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters champion Stan Wawrinka and 10-time ATP title holder Matteo Berrettini have been awarded the first wild cards into the tournament, the organizers announced on Thursday.
The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters confirmed on Thursday that three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and former world number six Matteo Berrettini have been awarded the first wild cards for its 119th edition, held from April 4 to 12 at the Monte-Carlo Country Club.
“We are delighted to welcome these two outstanding players. Stan is an integral part of the tournament’s history, and his presence during his final season will undoubtedly be emotional. Matteo, meanwhile, represents a dynamic and exciting generation," commented David Massey, Tournament Director.
Adding: "Through these wild cards, we aim to offer the public iconic players capable of creating memorable moments from the very first rounds."
Wawrinka, 40, will compete at the Masters 1000 for one final time on the same grounds where, in 2014, he captured the prestigious title.
The former world No. 3 is closing the last chapter of an inspiring career defined by his relentless passion for the sport, having announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 season.
With 16 titles on tour under his name (three majors) achieved during the 'Big Three' era, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist in doubles is enjoying his last dance with the same drive as when he turned pro in 2002.
Moreover, the elite athlete who has captivated the world's biggest tennis stages with brilliance, executing his trademark one-handed backhand with finesse, is giving "one last push" and continuing to challenge his mind, body, and soul.
"I still want to push my limits and finish this journey on the best note possible. I still have dreams in this sport," he said early this year.
Early in January, he launched his farewell season, making a maiden appearance at the United Cup as playing captain for Switzerland.
The team led by Wawrinka advanced to the final on debut at the event, courtesy of a high-level showing throughout.
Eventually, the Swiss squad fell to Poland in an edgy tie staged in Sydney, Australia.
Since then, the 2015 Roland-Garros champion has continued to deliver inspired performances across four tournaments, including a third-round run at the Australian Open.
Meanwhile, Berrettini is on a comeback road from injury, going from strength to strength.
The new season did not start as the former world No. 6 had planned, as an oblique injury forced him to pull out at the last minute from the AO.
Then, the Italian player headed to South America to contest the Golden Swing, where he delivered his best showing at the Rio Open, reaching the ATP 500 quarterfinals.
Early in March in Indian Wells, world No. 4 Alexander Zverev halted the Roman-native in the second round.
The same adversary he shocked last year in Monte-Carlo, with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 triumph over the top seed, achieving the biggest win of his career in a pulsating two-hour, 28-minute world-class contest.
Today, he opened proceedings at the Miami Open presented by Itau with a spirited straight-set victory over Frenchman Alexandre Muller.
On Friday, Berrettini will square off against 10th seed Alexander Bublik, bidding to extend his run in Florida, playing the second leg of the Sunshine Double.