Karatsev Knocks Out Musetti, Meets Tsitsipas Tues At Monte Carlo Masters; Fognini Opens Defense

On a wet day by the Mediterranean just a handful of matches were completed Monday at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Surprise Australian Open semifinalist Aslan Karatsev made his mark topping the talented Italian teen Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-4.

Karatsev got early breaks in both sets then endured a four hour rain delay late in the second to get through his Monte Carlo debut.

“It was a really tough match my first match of the season on clay tough weather conditions,” said Karatsev. “We started in the morning, I started pretty well, I broke him and then the court was getting heavy, the ball was heavy.

“It is tough to play against him. Really fit, runs a lot and gives everything back, so you have to build the point by yourself and close the point by yourself.”

Karatsev returns Tuesday for a big match against Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Promising Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina ousted Alex De Minaur 6-4, 7-6(3). John Millman beat Ugo Humbert in a mild upset and Tommy Paul won via retirement over Pedro Martinez.

On Tuesday, Fabio Fognini opens his 2019 title defense against Miomir Kecmanovic. Felix Auger Aliassime makes his debut with new coach uncle Toni as he takes on clay savvy Cristian Garin and Davidovich Fokina returns to battle Matteo Berrettini.

Showers, however, are expected to continue through Thursday.

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