Defending champion Andrey Rublev suffered a surprising defeat in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters, losing 6-4 6-4 to Australian Alexei Popyrin. Popyrin's strategic play, focused on changing the pace, height, and spin of the ball to disrupt Rublev's rhythm, proved successful in securing his spot in the third round.
Meanwhile, world No. 2 Jannik Sinner advanced smoothly through his first test with a commanding 6-1 6-2 victory over American Sebastian Korda. Sinner, who recently clinched the Australian Open title, displayed his top form and will now face Jan-Lennard Struff in the next round.
