Stan Wawrinka's final campaign at the Monte-Carlo Masters ended at the first hurdle after the 2014 champion was beaten in straight sets by Sebastian Baez. 

The three-time grand slam winner will retire at the end of the season, but his wildcard appearance in Monaco saw Wawrinka fall to a 7-5 7-5 defeat in one hour and 47 minutes. 

Wawrinka raced out of the blocks on Court Rainier III as he took a 4-1 lead in the opening set, only for Baez to reel off the next three games to level the match once more. 

Baez was then able to get the better of his opponent's serve once again before claiming the early advantage, and the Argentine appeared to be cruising to a comfortable triumph. 

He surged into a 5-1 lead, but Wawrinka produced a stunning comeback to get back on terms, though Baez eventually closed out the victory to seal a date with reigning champion and world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the next round. 

"It was a long time ago, but of course I remember it, it was exceptional," Wawrinka said on the court of his 2014 victory after tournament organisers showed a video homage to him.

"To have the chance to play this final here, with this exceptional tournament, and to win it in addition, will always be one of my best memories of my career."

First time feeling @sebaabaez7 posts a maiden victory in Monte-Carlo 7-5, 7-5 Wawrinka@ROLEXMCMASTERS | #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/puwiT4wDUv

— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 6, 2026

Elsewhere, three-time champion Stefanos Tsitsipas saw his tournament end in the first round against Francisco Cerundolo, who earned a 7-5 6-4 victory earlier in the day. 

Andrey Rublev did, however, battle his way past Nuno Borges, though he needed three sets before clinching a 6-4 1-6 6-1 win, with a clash against Zizou Bergs up next. 

In a battle between two of the ATP Tour's brightest talents, Joao Fonseca progressed after beating Gabriel Diallo 6-2 6-3 in one hour and 26 minutes. 

Data Debrief: Wawrinka says goodbye, but Rublev rolls on

After his heroics in the competition 12 years ago, Wawrinka was unable to reach another final in Monte-Carlo, with his best display coming in 2016 when he was defeated by eventual champion Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals. 

The Swiss did showcase some fighting spirit to try and take the match the distance, winning 30 of his 45 first-serve points (67%) to Baez's 26/45 (58%), while also firing four aces to his opponent's three. 

But for 2023 champion Rublev, he continued his fine form in this part of the world. At no ATP-1000 event does he have more wins in his career than at the Monte-Carlo Masters (13), level with the Cincinnati Masters.