Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils return to action at Montreal Masters

Defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils are both in action on the opening day of the Montreal Masters.

World No 1 Novak Djokovic heads a list of top players who have headed to the Canadian tournament, part of the US Open Series, which starts today, live on Sky Sports 3.

Tsonga, who defeated Roger Federer in last year’s final, starts the defence of his crown against talented Croatian Borna Coric, while compatriot Monfils has been pitted against the equally flamboyant Fabio Fognini.

Following a worrying run of form, Tsonga has slipped to 24 in the world rankings, his lowest position since 2008, and badly needs a win over Coric.

But he could have his hands full against the 18-year-old Coric, who holds victories over Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray.

Monfils and Fognini, two of the ATP Tour’s entertainers, should serve up plenty of excitement when they meet again on Court Central.

Each man holds three wins apiece from their previous three encounters and both are in decent form, with Monfils reaching the semi-finals in Umag, while Fognini was beaten by Nadal in the Hamburg final.

Live ATP Masters Tennis

Ninth seed Gilles Simon also returns to action, taking on Andreas Seppi, while Tommy Robredo takes on Feliciano Lopez for the right to face Murray in the second round.

Towering Croat Ivo Karlovic will unleash his booming serve on Pole Jerzy Janowicz in their opening clash and Australian Bernard Tomic faces in-form Joao Sousa of Portugal.   

Watch today's live action from the Montreal Masters at 5.30pm on Sky Sports 3.