The 2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters is underway at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. The clay-court action heats up on the French Riviera with betting picks available.
Wawrinka’s Prospects Against Baez
Baez has shown strong results to start the year, but has been somewhat disappointing on clay this year, dropping matches against players like Jaime Faria and Titouan Droguet. This may give Wawrinka the belief he needs to give Baez a match.
There are some worries about Baez’s ability to extend rallies and keep matches physical. He could ultimately tire a 41-year-old Wawrinka out. It is thought that Wawrinka has the power to push Baez around, and the slower conditions will make life easier on the three-time Grand Slam champion as a mover.
The bet is Wawrinka +1.5 Sets (-134 – 1.5 units) & Wawrinka ML (+200 – 0.5 units).
Altmaier Aims to Upset Machac
Altmaier likes slower clay-court conditions, as opponents aren’t able to easily break down his one-handed backhand. Altmaier is also good at playing with heavy topspin, and he’s comfortable playing from deep in the court.
With that in mind, a shot is being taken on Altmaier to eliminate Machac. Machac is undoubtedly the more talented player here, but he’s just 8-7 since the start of the season and is underperforming given the weaponry he possesses. He’s least reliable in ugly, physical matches. If Altmaier can muck this one up and force a decider, the German can steal a win.
Arnaldi’s Unexpected Opportunity
Arnaldi really doesn’t belong in the main draw, as he lost his second qualifying match to Alexandre Muller. However, stuff happens.
Arnaldi now has a shot at advancing to the Round of 32, and he probably likes this draw. However, Arnaldi hasn’t won a single main-draw match since the start of 2026.
Garin Favoured Over Arnaldi
There’s nobody that played at a decent level in 2025 that is playing worse in 2026, and Garin should be able to take advantage of that. The Chilean has been playing a ton of clay-court matches dating back to the end of last year, and he looked great in a straight-set qualifying win over Nikoloz Basilashvili to book his spot in the main draw.
It is felt a little better about where Garin’s game is right now, and his 91 ATP-level clay-court victories speak for themselves.
The clay-court action at the Monte-Carlo Country Club will continue to provide betting opportunities.