Stan Wawrinka and Matteo Berrettini have been handed wildcards to the upcoming Monte-Carlo Masters, set to take place in early April.
It was announced today that the two stars will feature at the tournament, which is the first ATP Masters 1000 clay-court event of the season.
Wawrinka will enjoy one last appearance in Monte-Carlo, with the Swiss set to retire at the end of the year.
Why do you think Stan Wawrinka was never considered to be on the same level as Andy Murray?
Berrettini, on the other hand, is aiming to return to his best after suffering several injury setbacks in recent years.
The Italian, once placed sixth in the ATP rankings, is currently the world number 68, and has won just four matches this season.
Stan Wawrinka’s 2014 triumph at the Monte-Carlo Masters
While Berrettini has only gone as far as the round of 16 in Monte-Carlo, Wawrinka has gone all the way at the tournament before.
The three-time Grand Slam champion emerged triumphant at the 2014 edition of the Monte-Carlo Masters.
That year, he beat Marin Cilic, Milos Raonic and David Ferrer en route to the final, where he met legendary compatriot Roger Federer.
Serena Williams picked Roger Federer as the G.O.A.T.
Wawrinka, seeded fourth at the tournament, came back from a set down in the championship match against Federer to win the match and hoist the trophy for the first and only time in his career.
It remains the only ATP Masters 1000 title Wawrinka has won, though he has come close in Indian Wells, Madrid and Rome.
Monte-Carlo tournament director discusses wildcards
As per the official Monte-Carlo Masters website, tournament director David Massey commented on the two wildcards.
He said: “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. Through these wild cards, we aim to offer the public iconic players capable of creating memorable moments from the very first rounds.”
Two more wildcards are set to be announced for the singles draw at the Monte-Carlo Masters in the coming days.
Last year’s champion was Carlos Alcaraz, who claimed his sixth Masters trophy with a win over Lorenzo Musetti in the final.
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