Daniil Medvedev and Gael Monfils are set for a blockbuster matchup at the Monte-Carlo Masters on Wednesday. Second-round action also continues with a showdown between Grigor Dimitrov and Miomir Kecmanovic.
(WC) Gael Monfils vs. (4) Daniil Medvedev
It’s safe to say that Monfils took the circuitous route to the second round of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. The 37-year-old Frenchman outlasted lucky loser Alexander Vukic 6-7(7), 6-3, 7-5 in two hours and 12 minutes on Tuesday, doing so from a double-break down in the third set. That marked Monfils’ 12th victory of the season, which includes a semifinal showing in Doha and a fourth-round performance in Indian Wells.
Next up for the world No. 40 on Wednesday is a fourth meeting with Medvedev, who trails the head-to-head series 2-1. They split a pair of 2019 encounters before Monfils prevailed 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 at the 2022 Indian Wells Masters. Although clay probably gives Monfils his best possible chance, Medvedev has been improving on the surface in recent years. The fourth-ranked Russian advanced to the Monte-Carlo quarterfinals last spring and then lifted the trophy in Rome. An 18-4 overall record in 2024 should also give him plenty of confidence. Monfils may be fatigued from his battle against Vukic, too, so Medvedev should have the edge.
Pick: Medvedev in 2
Miomir Kecmanovic vs. (9) Grigor Dimitrov
Dimitrov has been one of the hottest players on tour in 2024. The 32-year-old Bulgarian boasts a 21-5 record and his recent run to the Miami final propelled him back into the top 10 for the first time since November of 2017. Dimitrov maintained momentum by beating Valentin Vacherot 7-5, 6-2 on Monday in Monte-Carlo.
Kecmanovic stands in Dimitrov’s way of what would likely be a third-round contest against Holger Rune. The 66th-ranked Serb faced Marrakech champion Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday and took advantage of a fatigued opponent, cruising 6-3, 6-1. It was a much-needed result for Kecmanovic, who is just 8-10 this season and was on a four-match losing streak heading into Monte-Carlo. Clay does not give Kecmanovic any kind of advantage in this matchup, so Dimitrov’s fine form should continue.
Pick: Dimitrov in 2
WWW?
Med in 2; Grigor in 2.
I havent yet seen the result of Dimi V Kecman but surprise , Dimi was losing last I saw.
The Meddy-Monfils match was entertaining as expected but not always for the ‘right’ reasons ! Mohammed Layani pleading with Meddy to stay calm .Which he managed for a couple of games.