ATP Stockholm Open Final: Gael Monfils vs Pavel Kotov; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

Published 10/22/2023, 6:40 AM EDT

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via Reuters

It has all come down to just one last step as two of the most impressive players in the tournament have made it through to the finals. Gael Monfils, who has managed to find his form after a series of rough performances will now be taking on Pavel Kotov in an action-packed final. However, it is only one who will lay their hands on the prestigious title.

That being said, who among the two will make their way and lay their hands on the title? Is it the experienced French veteran or the young gun from Russia? Which player possesses a better chance at the final?

Gael Monfils vs Pavel Kotov: preview

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After a tough 2023 year, Gael Monfils has finally looked to gather pace as he is all set to end the year on a high. At the Stockholm Open, he showed his experience and perseverance and made it all the way to the finals. What makes his journey even more interesting is the fact that he lost just one set en route making his way into the finals. That defeat came out in his very first match where he faced Marton Fucsovics.

Then, from defeating second-sedded Adrian Mannarino to stunning Laslo Djere in the semi-finals of the tournament, he has gone down to produce some of the best matches in the tournament so far. With just a step remaining between him and the title, he will be looking to give whatever it takes to win the title and show everyone what experience can bring into the tournament.

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On the other hand, his opponent, Pavel Kotov also enjoyed a fine run of form in the tournament. Coming in from the qualifiers, he defeated the likes of Chris Eubanks, who was also considered one of the strongest opponents to win the title here in Sweden.

Then, with successive wins over Lorenzo Sonego and Tallon Griekspoor, he locked horns against Miomir Kecmanovic in the semi-finals. He maintained his calm and composure and managed to defeat Kecmanovic with the score of 6-3, 6-4 and managed to make his maiden ATP Finals. With just one step now remaining, he would be willing to lay his hands on the title.

Monfils vs Kotov: head-to-head

Interestingly, these two players have never played off against each other and this will be their first ever meeting between the two. With a chance to make a 100% win record and lay their hands on the prestigious title, both players will look to give their everything and win the title.

Prediction: Gael Monfils to lay his hands on the title after a straight-set victory

With a semi-final win over Laslo Djere, Monfils managed to keep his record alive of making a finals appearance in at least 1 ATP final every year. After a rather disappointing year, he would be willing to turn things around as he would be eyeing that title.

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The final match could go Monfils’ way, given the experience that he possesses. Also, with the fact that it is the first ATP Final appearance for Kotov, not much would be expected from him. However, with nothing to lose, he would go all in into the finals.

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Despite this, the experience that Monfils has and the form that he is carrying makes him a worthy contender for the title here in Stockholm. Who are you rooting for? Please let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Akshat Gaur

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Akshat Gaur is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in 2021 and has been writing since then. With over two years of experience in the world of sports journalism, specifically tennis journalism, Akshat is someone who is immensely passionate about covering the ATP and the WTA Tour.
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