We first happened upon the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters 3 years ago purely by chance and thought it was so fantastic that going down to Monaco for 2 days of tennis in the sun has now become an annual thing! It’s one of the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, a little known fixture which just happens to feature almost all the top 50 players in the World, in one of the most stunning locations imaginable. The journey from Nice in to Monaco in the morning has to be a contender for one of the most scenic train rides in the World, and whether or not you’re interested in F1 (I’m not!), walking round the famous hairpins, through the tunnel and round Casino Square does feel pretty special!

Monaco is a strange place, like nowhere else I’ve ever been. The feeling of wealth and privilege is literally dripping off the yachts moored in the harbour, and stopping for a window shop in some of the estate agents is always good for a laugh! It’s not somewhere I could ever imagine living but it’s most certainly worth a visit. From the royal palace on the cliff top to the famous aquarium, to the stunning sea view, there is no shortage of things to capture your attention.

And once a year Monaco, of course home to the current World number one Novak Djokovic, the Monte Carlo Country Club hosts the Rolex Tennis Masters, a truly brilliant event, so much quieter then any of the Grand Slams, so picturesque and so warm! The tennis is superb, the atmosphere calm and intimate, and what a treat to be skiing one day, and be court side watching Roger Federer the next?!

Everyone has their annual treats, and this is one of mine!