{"id":1820712,"date":"2026-03-11T18:00:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T15:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1820712"},"modified":"2026-03-11T18:00:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T15:00:08","slug":"monte-carlo-masters-entry-list-why-have-6-american-players-chosen-to-skip-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1820712","title":{"rendered":"Monte Carlo Masters Entry List: Why have 6 American players chosen to skip event?"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"ps-article-content rounded-lg lg:mt-5 lg:border lg:border-card lg:bg-card lg:shadow-primary\">\n<header>\n<h1 class=\"py-4 text-xl font-normal text-title sm:text-2xl\">Monte Carlo Masters Entry List: Why have 6 American players chosen to skip event?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"my-2 flex items-center justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/author\/oli-dickson-jefford\" class=\"text-sm font-normal !text-author\"><br \/>\n                            Oli Dickson Jefford                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <time class=\"ml-3 text-sm font-normal text-info md:ml-4\" datetime=\"11 Mar 2026 6:00 PM\" data-ps-date=\"11 Mar 2026 6:00 PM\" data-ps-datetime=\"1773252008\"><br \/>\n                            11 Mar 2026 6:00 PM                        <\/time>\n                    <\/div>\n<div class=\"hidden justify-end space-x-4 text-xl sm:flex sm:!opacity-100\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tennis365.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 hidden dark:block h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/common\/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 dark:hidden h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/common\/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tennis-features\/monte-carlo-masters-entry-list-why-have-6-american-players-chosen-skip-the-event\" class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" aria-label=\"Share to facebook\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-features%2Fmonte-carlo-masters-entry-list-why-have-6-american-players-chosen-skip-the-event\" class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" aria-label=\"Share to twitter\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-features%2Fmonte-carlo-masters-entry-list-why-have-6-american-players-chosen-skip-the-event\" class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" aria-label=\"Share to linkedin\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/\/send\/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-features%2Fmonte-carlo-masters-entry-list-why-have-6-american-players-chosen-skip-the-event\" aria-label=\"Share to whatsapp\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/share.flipboard.com\/bookmarklet\/popout?v=2&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-features%2Fmonte-carlo-masters-entry-list-why-have-6-american-players-chosen-skip-the-event\" aria-label=\"Share to flipboard\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n<div class=\"sm:hidden flex items-center space-x-5\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tennis365.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 hidden dark:block h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/common\/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 dark:hidden h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/common\/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <button id=\"t365-article-share-btn-hidden\" class=\"mr-2 hidden h-6 w-6 appearance-none border-none !text-share-icon outline-none hover:!text-share-icon-active sm:hidden\" data-title=\"Monte Carlo Masters Entry List: Why have 6 American players chosen to skip event?\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/button>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"-mx-3 sm:-mx-5 border-b border-page\"><\/div>\n<section>\n<div class=\"-mx-3 sm:-mx-5\">\n<figure class=\"aspect-h-9 aspect-w-16 relative\">\n                                        <img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1320\" height=\"742\" loading=\"eager\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover object-center !my-0\" src=\"https:\/\/d2me2qg8dfiw8u.cloudfront.net\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Shelton-Tien-Paul-1320x742.jpg\" alt=\"Pictured L-R: Ben Shelton, Learner Tien, and Tommy Paul.\">                <\/figure><figcaption class=\"flex items-center space-x-3 border-b border-mobile-caption px-3 lg:border-caption\">\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"my-1.5 break-words !text-xs !text-content\">\n                                US tennis players Ben Shelton, Learner Tien, and Tommy Paul.                            <\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"ciam-article-t365\">\n<p>The Monte Carlo Masters is one of the highlights of any ATP Tour season, and it will not be too long until several of the biggest names in men\u2019s tennis do battle on the French Riviera.<\/p>\n<p>The event traditionally attracts an incredibly notable line-up, though it is evident that a handful of American players have chosen to skip the event this year, with action taking place from April 5-12.<\/p>\n<p>Here, we look at who those players are, and why they may have made this decision.<\/p>\n<h2>Who will \u2014 and won\u2019t \u2014 be in action?<\/h2>\n<p>The Monte Carlo Masters is one of the most historic events in tennis, and with 1,000 ranking points at stake, the event will have a strong field in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Forty-three of the current world\u2019s top 50 are entered into the tournament, led by world No 1 and reigning champion <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/carlos-alcaraz\">Carlos Alcaraz<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>World No 2 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/jannik-sinner\">Jannik Sinner<\/a>, world No 3 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/novak-djokovic\">Novak Djokovic<\/a>, and world No 4 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/alexander-zverev\">Alexander Zverev<\/a> follow on behind Alcaraz, with nine of the world\u2019s top 10 provisionally entered into the event.<\/p>\n<p>However, seven top-50 players are missing \u2014 somewhat of an unusual occurrence for an event of such calibre.<\/p>\n<p>One of those missing is world No 18 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/holger-rune\">Holger Rune<\/a>, who is unsurprisingly absent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tennis-news\/holger-rune-makes-super-scary-confession-after-horror-injury\">as he continues his recovery from an Achilles injury sustained last October<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Tennis News<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tennis-news\/indian-wells-aryna-sabalenka-reveals-how-legendary-coach-re-worked-her-game-after-scintillating-win\">Aryna Sabalenka reveals how legendary coach re-worked her game after scintillating Indian Wells win<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/atp-tour\/jannik-sinner-reveals-humble-kid-joao-fonseca-biggest-qualities-indian-wells-open\">Jannik Sinner reveals \u2018humble kid\u2019 Joao Fonseca\u2019s best qualities after Indian Wells clash<\/a><\/p>\n<p>However, the other six players who have not entered the event are all American, with the highest-ranked player not entered being <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/ben-shelton\">Ben Shelton<\/a>, the current world No 8.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside Shelton, world No 24 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/tommy-paul\">Tommy Paul<\/a>, world No 27 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/learner-tien\">Learner Tien<\/a>, world No 30 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/brandon-nakashima\">Brandon Nakashima<\/a>, world No 41 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/jenson-brooksby\">Jenson Brooksby<\/a>, and world No 44 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/alex-michelsen\">Alex Michelsen<\/a> are also all absent.<\/p>\n<h2>Why are so many Americans not entered?<\/h2>\n<p>The likely reasons as to why six high-profile US players have not entered are likely all connected, and it revolves around action taking place the week before the Monte Carlo Masters.<\/p>\n<p>Sandwiched in between the hard-court Miami Open \u2014 also a Masters 1000 event \u2014 and the Monte Carlo Masters is the US Men\u2019s Clay Court Championships in Houston.<\/p>\n<p>The ATP 250 event is the only men\u2019s tour-level clay event held in the US, and traditionally attracts a strong home field.<\/p>\n<p>The six players in question \u2014 Shelton, Paul, Tien, Nakashima, Brooksby, and Michelsen \u2014 are all entered into Houston, with Brooksby (2025) and Shelton (2024) the two most recent champions at the event.<\/p>\n<p>The final in Houston will take place on Sunday, April 5, which is the same day that main-draw action will begin in Monte Carlo.<\/p>\n<p>Any players competing in the Houston final face an extremely tight turnaround to compete in Monte Carlo, especially considering that only the top eight seeds at the Masters event will receive a round-one bye.<\/p>\n<p>With Houston and Monaco approximately 5,400 miles or 8,700 kilometres away from each other, it comes as no surprise to see that some players are not willing to embark on that journey.<\/p>\n<p>And, with action being the last ATP-level event on US soil until late July, it also makes sense that a group of American players want to maximise their time on home turf before a long stretch in Europe.<\/p>\n<p>This also connects to the fact that the Monte Carlo Masters is currently the only Masters 1000 event that is non-mandatory.<\/p>\n<p>Players who choose not to enter or withdraw from the event do not risk losing any bonus point money, while they can also earn any missed ranking points at another ATP event across the season.<\/p>\n<p>With no risk of penalty for Shelton, Paul, Tien, Nakashima, Brooksby, or Michelsen, it is more than understandable as to why they have made this call.<\/p>\n<h2>Current Monte Carlo Masters entry list (as of March 11, 2026)<\/h2>\n<p>Carlos Alcaraz<br \/>\nJannik Sinner<br \/>\nNovak Djokovic<br \/>\nAlexander Zverev<br \/>\nLorenzo Musetti<br \/>\nAlex de Minaur<br \/>\nTaylor Fritz<br \/>\nFelix Auger-Aliassime<br \/>\nAlexander Bublik<br \/>\nDaniil Medvedev<br \/>\nJakub Mensik<br \/>\nCasper Ruud<br \/>\nJack Draper<br \/>\nFlavio Cobolli<br \/>\nKaren Khachanov<br \/>\nAndrey Rublev<br \/>\nAlejandro Davidovich Fokina<br \/>\nFrancisco Cerundolo<br \/>\nLuciano Darderi<br \/>\nFrances Tiafoe<br \/>\nJiri Lehecka<br \/>\nTallon Griekspoor<br \/>\nValentin Vacherot<br \/>\nArthur Rinderknech<br \/>\nCameron Norrie<br \/>\nTomas Martin Etcheverry<br \/>\nCorentin Moutet<br \/>\nUgo Humbert<br \/>\nJoao Fonseca<br \/>\nJaume Munar<br \/>\nSebastian Korda<br \/>\nGabriel Diallo<br \/>\nDenis Shapovalov<br \/>\nAlejandro Tabilo<br \/>\nGrigor Dimitrov<br \/>\nStefanos Tsitsipas<br \/>\nAlexei Popyrin<br \/>\nFabian Marozsan<br \/>\nZizou Bergs<br \/>\nHubert Hurkacz<br \/>\nAdrian Mannarino<br \/>\nNuno Borges<br \/>\nTomas Machac<br \/>\nMarin Cilic<\/p>\n<p><strong>Want more from Tennis365? Add us as <a rel=\"noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tennis365.com\" target=\"_blank\">a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for tennis coverage you can trust.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Read Next<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tennis-news\/novak-djokovic-mocked-handshake-arthur-rinderknech-indian-wells-doubles\">WATCH: Novak Djokovic\u2019s opponent takes dig at him after controversy in Indian Wells doubles loss<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Monte Carlo Masters Entry List: Why have 6 American players chosen to skip event? Oli Dickson Jefford 11 Mar 2026 6:00 PM US tennis players Ben Shelton, Learner Tien, and Tommy Paul. The Monte Carlo Masters is one of the highlights of any ATP Tour season, and it will not be too long until several [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,249],"class_list":["post-1820712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-tennis365-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1820712","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1820712"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1820712\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1820712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1820712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1820712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}