Time to wrap up the second round of the 2024 ATP Monte Carlo Masters on Day 4 of the event. Jannik Sinner is looking to continue his dominance over this year’s ATP Tour and grab his first big title on clay courts, but Sebastian Korda is not the easiest opponent he could have gotten in the opening match. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Monte Carlo Day 4 Predictions
Alex de Minaur vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: Griekspoor 2-1
If Alex de Minaur produces a strong clay swing, his chances to make Turin this year will improve drastically. The Australian has put a lot of effort over the years into improving his game on the dirt and spent plenty of time training in Spain. His work has not been fully rewarded yet, but everyone knows now that he’s no pushover on this surface. Getting to the third round here would be a good start and as he’s been flying so high this year, he probably is the favorite over the big game of Tallon Griekspoor at the moment.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head-to-head: Khachanov 3-0
These two were recently involved in a huge tussle in Miami with Karen Khachanov failing to close out the match in two sets and then almost getting defeated. We know by now that surfaces or conditions don’t really matter for either of these and they can succeed anywhere when playing well. The difference is Francisco Cerundolo being so hot and cold, while Khachanov is the epitome of consistency. The Argentinian will need an amazing forehand day to find a way to prevail here.
Prediction: Khachanov in 2
Alejandro Tabilo vs Casper Ruud
Head-to-head: Ruud 1-0
Casper Ruud failed to defend his title in Estoril last week, but it took a breathtaking performance from Pedro Martinez to eliminate him. It’s still been a great season for the Norwegian who was probably never entering the clay season with this much momentum. Can he finally win a title above the ATP 250 level? His more aggressive game this year certainly isn’t a bad omen. Alejandro Tabilo could maybe prove a bigger threat to him in slightly faster clay conditions, but here it’s unlikely.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Sebastian Korda vs Jannik Sinner
Head-to-head: 1-1
Jannik Sinner and his performance during the clay season is something everyone will be looking at right now. Can the best player of 2024 also prove his worth in slower conditions? He’s had singular great results on the dirt before, just never chained them into one strong swing. He might not be as dominant as he was on hard, but he’ll still be among the main title contenders everywhere. Sebastian Korda will need to see some rust from Sinner here to have a shot. In fact, taking a set or pushing the Italian close doesn’t seem impossible. But the favorite should find his rhythm eventually.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
