Is Monte Carlo Masters for men only?

The Monte Carlo Masters is a periodic tennis event that takes place in the Monte Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune- Cap- Martin, France. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious tennis events in the world, dating back to 1897. Still, despite its long history, there has been a question raised over the times about whether the Monte Carlo Masters is for men only.

Despite being a popular event on the Mediterranean seacoast, the WTA women aren’t listed on the schedule of the event and the event is simply for ATP men. Three events, the Madrid Open, Italian Open, and French Open, are guaranteed for both men and women during the complexion season of the tennis timetable. The Monte- Carlo Masters don’t allow men and women to partake in space.

Zeljko Franulovic, the tournament’s director, stated that the Monte Carlo Country Club’s lack of infrastructure makes it impossible to organize WTA events. “There were some ideas, proposals, even projects that have been envisioned, but when you think about the fact of adding 56 or 60 players in the main draw plus doubles, plus training courts, and you have to deal with all the scheduling, and you have men and women, it is quite complicated,” Franulovic conveyed.

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Why does the Monte Carlo Masters not host WTA events?

Hosting WTA events is not achievable due to the lack of infrastructure in the Monte Carlo Country Club. Zeljko Franulovic, the tournament’s director emphasized the fact that the men’s game makes a greater financial contribution to the tournament since it draws more fans, but the WTA circuit may not be as effective at distributing money as the men’s game is. Regardless of the reasons, the fact remains that the Monte Carlo Masters is a men’s tournament.

Franulovic went on to discuss the equity of prize money to be given to WTA athletes. In order to pay the ladies the same as the men, the Monte-Carlo Masters must have a significant business. “Another point is that we need to assess the price, particularly the costs and the prize money because of course, the prize money has to be at the same level for the women as for the men. So we need to draw a really solid business plan and do our accounting before actually going into that venture.” he said.

While the Monte Carlo Masters is a men’s tennis tournament, it is important to remember that there are many other opportunities for women to play tennis in the region. There are many other clubs and tournaments that welcome women players. Tennis is a sport that should be inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, and it is up to us to ensure that this remains the case.

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