The first American to win Monte Carlo did it over a century ago

Just five American men have claimed the Monte Carlo Masters title in the tournament’s 120-year history.

The most recent of those came all the way back in 1956, when Hugh Stewart beat fellow American Tony Vincent in four sets: 1–6, 8–6, 6–0, 6–2.

Bill Tilden was one of the game’s icons during the 1930s. The American took home a remarkable ten Grand Slam titles and also added a Monte Carlo win to his CV with a victory over Bunny Austin in the final.

Frank Parker won his title in 1949, and two years later, former world number four Straight Clark became just the fourth American player to add his name to this exclusive list.

Fred Alexander: The first American man to win the Monte Carlo Masters

Fred Alexander was the first American man to win the Monte Carlo Masters, defeating Great Britain’s Laurence Doherty 7–5, 6–4, 6–1 in the 1909 final.

Alexander, who was also the first non-Australian player to win the Australian Open, went on to capture eight Grand Slam titles – seven of which were in doubles.

Alexander [pictured below, centre], reached a career-high singles ranking of world number seven and was also a Davis Cup finalist in 1908.

He would go on to retire around eleven years after his triumph in Monaco.

The nation has struggled at Monte Carlo since Hugh Stewart’s victory in 1956. Only six Americans have reached the final since then: Budge Patty, Vitas Gerulaitis, Jimmy Connors, Mel Purcell, Jimmy Arias and Aaron Krickstein.

Krickstein was beaten by French Open champion Thomas Muster back in 1992.

In another notable moment from American men’s history at this event – Connors never got the chance to play for what would have been his only title there. He had been scheduled to face Guillermo Vilas but rain forced organisers to abandon it entirely before a ball could be played. It remains one of only two finals not completed due to weather across all ATP Masters tournaments ever held (alongside Rome in 2012).

Is it time for another American success story?

This year doesn’t look promising for US tennis fans hoping to see that streak end anytime soon. None of America’s top eight ranked players – Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, Learner Tien, Alex Michelsen, Brandon Nakashima and Sebastian Korda – are taking part in Monaco this year.

Instead it’s just Ethan Quinn [pictured below], ranked number 54 in the world rankings; along with world number 103 Emilio Nava who will be representing America at this year’s tournament.

Ethan Quinn found himself a lucky loser into the main draw and is set to face Cincinnati Open semi-finalist Terence Atmane on Tuesday. Meanwhile Nava came through qualifying before falling to Jiri Lehecka (6-7/7-6/2-6) in round one.

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