Monte-Carlo R3 previews and predictions: Tsitsipas vs. Garin, Zverev vs. Goffin

Monte-Carlo is heating up with round-three action on Thursday. Stefanos Tsitsipas will take the court against Cristian Garin, while Alexander Zverev battles David Goffin in another all-seeded affair.

(4) Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. (16) Cristian Garin

Stefanos Tsitsipas gets to the business end of many tournaments. The Greek star is a perennial participant in the quarters, semis, and finals–but with just five career titles to show for his efforts and none in 2021 so far. He is a talented clay-courter; he has even posted a win over Rafael Nadal on the dirt. Tsitsipas earned his spot in the third round this week with an impressive win over surprise Australian Open semifinalist Aslan Karatsev.

Coming into this week, Cristian Garin won his home title in Santiago but won won no matches at his other three events. Things are looking up for the Chilean, however. He knocked off Felix Auger-Aliassime and John Millman so far this week. Unfortunately for Garin, he is unlikely to find his way past a player as consistent as Tsitsipas.

Cheryl pick: Tsitsipas in 2

Ricky pick: Tsitsipas in 3

(5) Alexander Zverev vs. (11) David Goffin

German Alexander Zverev has had a good start to the 2021 season. The world No. 6 made the quarters at the Australian Open, captured the title in Acapulco, and dispatched Lorenzo Sonego on Wednesday to start his European clay-court swing.

David Goffin has run hot and cold this year. Like Zverev, he has a title that he captured in Montpellier. He also has a series of early losses, including a second-round ouster at the Miami Masters at the hands of world No. 104 James Duckworth. However, he beat Marin Cilic and Marco Cecchinato to earn his spot in the Monte-Carlo third round.

Zverev has won both of his clay-court encounters with Goffin, the last of which came at the 2018 Rome Masters. Based on current form, this match should go Zverev’s way.

Cheryl pick: Zverev in 2

Ricky pick: Zverev in 3