Several of the biggest stars have been confirmed for the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the ATP World Tour.
The tournament, which was first contested back in 1897, will take place from the 11th-18th April and will see 56 players compete for the title.
Former Champions Returning
Defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic will look to continue his dominance of the tour as he once again heads to Monte Carlo. The Serbian defeated Tomas Berdych, who also returns, in the final last year and also won the title in 2013, having previously lost the final in 2009.
Arguably the greatest Monte Carlo champion in recent history, Rafael Nadal, will also return. The Spaniard won the title eight years in a row from 2005, though hasn't won the title since 2012 following injury problems and inconsistency. He will ne hoping to get back to winning ways this year.
Stan Wawrinka is also heading back to the principality to try and regain the title. The Swiss star upset the odds to win the title in 2014, and will be looking for a similar performance as he prepares for his defense of the French Open title.
Federer And Murray Amongst Other Stars Taking Part
World number two Andy Murray and number three Roger Federer are also sent to take part.
Murray has never had much success in Monte Carlo, and has often skipped the tournament in the past, though will be looking to build on the strong clay court seasons he has had the past few years.
Monte Carlo is one of the few gaps in Federer's trophy collection, having lost in the final four times in the past ten years. The Swiss number one has made a surprise entrance into the draw, having previously revealed that he would play no clay tournaments before Roland Garros.
Many other big names are set to take part in the tournament. Clay court specialist David Ferrer will be difficult for anyone to face, whilst Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will undoubtedly get a lot of support from the French crowd present.
It will also be interesting to see how younger stars such as Milos Raonic and Dominic Thiem, who have both had good starts to 2016, fare as they look to progress up the rankings.
Big Servers And Nishikori Not Entered
The only three players in the top fifteen not entered in the tournament are Kevin Anderson, John Isner and Kei Nishikori.
The fact that Nishikori is not entered is arguably the biggest surprise of three, considering the relatively strong results the Japanese star has had on clay in the past. South African Anderson has struggled with injury this year, whilst Isner may be looking to practise on the surface more, considering his game is not suited to the surface.