It’s time for the final of the 2023 ATP Stockholm Open. Pavel Kotov made the final as a qualifier and will be trying to turn his maiden appearance at this stage into a title. Meanwhile, Gael Monfils has the experience of having competed in 33 main tour finals before, winning 11 of them. Who do you think will clinch the trophy?
ATP Stockholm Final Prediction
Gael Monfils vs Pavel Kotov
Head-to-head: first meeting
Monfils picked up some great form during the North American hard-court swing, but there were some obvious concerns regarding his ability to produce in Stockholm right away. After all, the Frenchman had only appeared at the Laver Cup since the US Open. The 37-year-old kept coming up with the goods though and managed to make his 1st ATP Tour final in 21 months (Adelaide 2022).
For Kotov this is just the first ATP Tour final, period. The Russian qualified for the main draw and produced a series of great displays, including some of the biggest wins of his career over Tallon Griekspoor and Miomir Kecmanovic. So far he’s yet to really show any signs of nerves and his flat forehand has been piercing through the court with ease.
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With Kotov basically emerging on the ATP Tour only this season, these two haven’t had the chance to play each other yet. Even at the age of 37, Monfils still has an absolutely exceptional first serve and covers the court well on the defense, making it easy for him to draw errors from his opponents.
It will be the Russian’s toughest match thus far and though he hasn’t felt the pressure yet (or rather hasn’t exhibited it), that will undeniably come for him at some point. Monfils has a pretty poor record in finals (11-22), but has actually won 4 of the last 5. If all that experience is going to pay off, then it’s probably in a matchup like this against a maiden finalist.
Prediction: Monfils in 3
Main photo credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
