2011 Monte Carlo Rolex Masters

Venue: Monte Carlo Country Club

Annual ATP tennis competition

From 9th to 17th April, organized by the Societe Monegasque pour l'Exploitation du Tournoi de Tennis (SMETT). The 105th edition of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters competition launches the summer season on the Cote d'Azur and opens the ATP season.

The closing date for player applications is 14th March, after which successful entrants compete for 1000 points and 2,227,500 euros in prize money. Raphael Nadal is expected to win for the 7th consecutive year, while Roger Federer is unlikely to take part, although a wild card is reserved for him. Competitors can expect high quality services after the ATP Europe awarded the competition a prize for excellence in 2010.

For 2011, the VIP Village has been enlarged, and a closed parking area with around 50 spaces has been created under the courts. In addition, more non-competition activities are planned, such as a women's exhibition match during Ladies' Day. Lots more parties and social events are being planned by Melanie-Antoinette de Massy.

This year's cause is AIDS, with a campaign entitled "Aces Against AIDS". Money is to be donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation for each "ace" played during a special exhibition match, and a charity auction and benefit gala are to be organized. The Fondation Prince Albert II is also holding a party to save the forests, called the "Forest Night" on board the Onasis yacht the MY Cristina O, with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock playing a set. Also on the program:

• Launch Party
• Grande Nuit du Tennis
• kids day
• Ladies' Day
• benefit galas
• exhibition matches

Matches are being broadcast on Canal + and France 4, with the semi-final and final on either France 2 or 3.

For more information visit the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters website.