Just two players remain in contention for the 2020 ATP ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament title in Rotterdam. After a week full of action, the defending champion Gael Monfils will take on the up-and-coming Felix Auger-Aliassime in Sunday’s final. Who do you think will advance?
ATP Rotterdam Final Prediction
Gael Monfils vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
The Frenchman arrived in Rotterdam straight after taking his ninth career title, in Montpellier. Monfils has never won two titles back-to-back before, let alone two in the same season, but he earned his chance to break that barrier with four excellent performances in a row here. The World No.9 hasn’t lost a set in his last seven matches and is yet to drop one here in Rotterdam.
While he appeared to be running out of steam at times, Monfils always found a way to prevail. It’s come to a point whether one has to question how much of this apparent “exhaustion” is just theatrical antics. The Frenchman’s game is heavily based on his court coverage and can’t be executed without fuel in the tank.
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It’s good for Monfils that he hasn’t played that much all week because he won’t have it easy on Sunday. Felix Auger-Aliassime might have come to Rotterdam without much confidence, but barring one set against Jan-Lennard Struff, this has been maybe the best tournament in the Canadian youngster’s career. The amount of raw talent Auger-Aliassime has can be overwhelming if he can limit the frequent dips in the level of play.
Despite having a career-high ranking of no.17, Auger-Aliassime is still without a main tour title. While the pressure keeps rising with every missed opportunity, the 19-year-old probably feels like there will be much more in front of him. And rightfully so.
The rather slow indoor surface in Rotterdam should favor Monfils quite a bit. But taking into consideration how aggressive the Canadian’s been throughout the week, he will be ready for the challenge lying in front of him. Auger-Aliassime has played up to his potential this week and showed how dangerous he can be when he finds the right rhythm. Expect the Canadian to break down Monfils’ defense and take a long-overdue first tour-level title.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
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