<p>Day four of the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 delivered its share of drama on Wednesday. While Medvedev's demolition by Berrettini grabbed the headlines, the other matches of the day were equally gripping, featuring Alexander Zverev's improbable escape and Andrey Rublev's surprising elimination.</p>
<p>Zverev came perilously close to disaster against Cristian Garin. The world number three, the favourite in the bottom half of the draw, found himself a set down and 0-4 behind in the decider. The Chilean, inspired on the Monte Carlo clay, even served for the match at 5-3 in the third set. But the German dug deep to reel off five consecutive games and prevail 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 in a high-intensity battle (according to Al Jazeera).</p>
<p>The twelfth game encapsulated Zverev's fighting spirit. Facing three break points, he held firm before converting his third match point to scrape through. Chasing a third clay-court Masters 1000 title, the German knows he will need to raise his level significantly to go all the way.</p>
<p>The surprise of the day, beyond Medvedev's humiliation, came from Belgian Zizou Bergs. The 25-year-old swept aside Andrey Rublev, the 2023 Monte Carlo champion, by a score of 6-4, 6-1. The result was all the more significant given that Rublev appeared physically diminished, having required a medical timeout during his first-round match for shoulder and neck pain.</p>
<p>Bergs, who had already beaten Rublev in their most recent meeting in 2025, is confirming his rise on tour. After dispatching Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 6-3 in the previous round, the Belgian is stringing together impressive performances and now faces Zverev in the round of 16, a considerably stiffer challenge.</p>
<p>Also noteworthy was the victory of young Brazilian João Fonseca over Arthur Rinderknech in three sets (7-5, 4-6, 6-3). The protégé of Gustavo Kuerten continues to prove himself at the highest level and will face Berrettini for a place in the quarter-finals.</p>
<p>Thursday's round of 16 promises fascinating matchups. The tournament enters its decisive phase, and the surviving favourites, led by Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverev and de Minaur, will need to deliver against opponents emboldened by the atmosphere at the Monte Carlo Country Club.</p>
