Gael Monfils and Daniil Medvedev are going to be among the most exciting early clashes of the Monte Carlo Masters. Both players have entertained fans in the past, and both despise clay. Monfils, who is getting older, has stated that since he is slowing down, he prefers quicker points on hardcourt and grass.

The tennis world is well aware of Medvedev’s not enjoying the clay swing of tennis. The Russian player has often stated his disdain for clay but surprised the world by winning the Italian Open, which is his only title on clay. Now, the two-step into Monte Carlo to see who hates the dirt less. 

Gael Monfils vs Daniil Medvedev: Preview

Monfils showed his best performance this year in the Qatar Open as he ran to the semifinal. The Frenchman has otherwise marked early exits or showed a glimpse of his blazing tennis in the Indian Wells Masters. Monfils played in the Estoril Open before Monte Carlo, which saw him exit in the second round. In the first clay Masters, he beat Aleksandar Vukic in three sets and then received a walk0ver from Jordan Thompson.

Monfils put an astounding 15 aces past Vukic with 4 double faults in the three set clash. He managed to convert 73% of his first serves, with a win percentage of 50% in the second serve on clay. He also won 6 out of the 9 break points he faced, which shows that he is focused on making the clay tournament his own.

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Medvedev has not played in as many tournaments as Monfils this year. The Russian player displayed his best tennis in the Australian Open and the Indian Wells Masters. However, his run in the Dubai Championships and Miami Open are nothing to forget as he made a semifinal run in both. In Monte-Carlo, he will play his first 2024 clay match against Monfils. 

Medvedev played his previous bout against Jannik Sinner in the semifinal of the Miami Open. The Russian star was a small challenge for the Italian as he found defeat in 6-1, 6-2. He only managed to win 53% on his first serve and could not convert any break point he faced. Despite hardcourt being his favorite, Sinner dispatched him effortlessly. Now, he will be looking to rectify his defeat against Sinner in Monte-Carlo.

Monfils vs Medvedev: Head-to-Head

Medvedev and Monfils have played against each other three times in their career. Surprisingly, Monfils leads the rivalry with 2-1. Medvedev was the victor of their first clash, which took place at the 2019 Sofia Open. He ended Monfils’ stint 6-2, 6-4 and would meet him again in the ATP Rotterdam. Here, Monfils would have his revenge in three sets, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Conditions would change for their next meeting as they would move from outdoor hardcourt to indoor hardcourt as they next played in the 2022 Indian Wells Masters. Monfils would once again be the victor of the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. While Monfils does lead the rivalry, all of their matches have been held on much faster surfaces than clay, with indoor hardcourt being the fastest.

Both players do not prefer playing on clay, which is slower than both indoor and outdoor hardcourt. Since they haven’t played each other for two years, there is not much setting the two players apart besides their momentum.

Prediction: Medvedev to advance in Monte-Carlo

While Monfils clearly leads in the head-to-head statistics, they have not shown a picture of their form in the last few months. This will be their first match in two years, and Medvedev has become a completely different monster since then. Winning the Italian Open was his 2023 highlight, and he is back to the clay season, looking to win another clay title.

Both players are coming into their clash at 100% health, and Monfils even managed to catch a break after receiving a walkover. However, the rest will not help him overcome Medvedev. While the Russian player has not played even half the matches as Monfils on clay, he has a better win percentage of 64.23% as opposed to Monfils’ 62.87%.

Medvedev is on fantastic momentum and is set to take the win. He is looking forward to the part where he can finally win a title this season. Who do you think will be the victor?

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