Former US Open champion Medvedev has dropped out of the top 10 after a difficult start to the season.
He has not won a title since the Rome Masters in 2023, which was also on clay, and hasn’t reached a final since Indian Wells last year.
Medvedev has frequently said he does not like playing on clay, external and reminded the crowd after his victory against Khachanov, saying: “It’s the first match on clay – it’s not my favourite surface.
“I don’t think Karen hit one ace and he’s a big server. So, it was pretty slow, but I’m happy with my level in general and looking forward.”
Medvedev will face France’s Alexandre Muller in the second round.
Seventeen of the men’s top 20 singles players will feature in Monte Carlo, including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Britain’s Jack Draper.
