When Carlos Alcaraz lost to Sebastian Korda at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters three years ago, nobody would have expected that it would take him three years to feature at this event again. But now he’s finally healthy and also in need of a good run. The No. 2 seed is facing Francisco Cerundolo, who’s one of the most in-form players on the ATP Tour right now. Who do you think will emerge the victor?
ATP Monte Carlo Day 4 Predictions
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: Davidovich Fokina 2-0
It was nice for Tomas Martin Etcheverry to break a small losing streak by defeating Corentin Moutet, but he’s got a tougher challenge coming up here. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s form is trending upwards this year and the Spaniard is also a former finalist of this event. On top of that, he also took apart Etcheverry somewhat comfortably in their two previous meetings. It just doesn’t seem like Etcheverry is playing well enough to turn things around at the moment.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 2
Andrey Rublev vs Gael Monfils
Head-to-head: 2-1
Andrey Rublev lost in the opening round in both Indian Wells and Miami, which further shows he’s lost the consistency he was once famous for. But he also remains one of the top players in the world for a reason and you have to produce a strong performance to beat him. Gael Monfils will have his chance, although at this stage of his career he’s not exactly a clay court master anymore. If it becomes a lengthy attritional contest, Rublev will just keep coming.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Flavio Cobolli vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-head: Fils 1-0
That Bucharest title last week was a life-saver for Flavio Cobolli after a couple of horrible months and he rode the momentum well to also defeat Dusan Lajovic here. An all-youngster matchup with Arthur Fils looks very exciting on paper, especially now that the Frenchman is coming off back-to-back ATP 1000 quarterfinal appearances and might be finding the consistency he was longing for. If Fils can keep playing like he’s been recently, he’s got the higher upside.
Prediction: Fils in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head-to-head: Alcaraz 2-1
Carlos Alcaraz only playing one Monte Carlo match in his career is quite the fun fact, but after withdrawing from the last two editions he’s back at this venue and is kind of desperate for a run. That performance in Miami against David Goffin left us with more questions than answers. His opening draw here literally couldn’t have been any harder with Francisco Cerundolo being in top shape right now. The Spaniard can still be the main favorite to take this title if he gets through this match. And right now that’s a big if.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
