All eight Round of 16 contests will be played on Day 5 of the ATP Monte Carlo Masters. 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev’s match against Alex de Minaur has the potential to be a lengthy and gritty affair. We at LWOT split all the action on the slate between two articles, including Carlos Alcaraz vs Daniel Altmaier.
ATP Monte Carlo Day 5 Predictions
Andrey Rublev vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-head: Rublev 1-0 Fils
Rublev’s victory against Gael Monfils was important after he had been on a three-match losing streak since winning the Qatar Open title. He might need an even better performance against Arthur Fils, who is very adept on clay. This promises to be a tight battle that could be decided by a few moments. Overall, I think Rublev will carry his momentum from the last round into this match, and his best level on a slow clay court may be slightly better than Fils’.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Jack Draper vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players made statements in the opening round. Davidovich Fokina knocked out Ben Shelton, while Draper only lost two games against Marcos Giron. Clay has been Draper’s weakest surface, and the win against Giron felt like a potentially pivotal moment for him on the surface. Davidovich Fokina’s mercurial nature and shot-making make him dangerous. However, Draper’s best game is even better, and he looks incredibly focused right now.
Prediction: Draper in 2
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Nuno Borges
Head-to-head: Tsitsipas 1-0 Borges
Three-time Monte Carlo champion Tsitsipas recovered from a poor opening set to beat Jordan Thompson. Borges’ three-set battle in the last round against Pedro Martinez was brutal. That means Tsitsipas will probably be delighted that there is no day’s rest before the pair’s meeting. Borges is a great competitor, but there is nothing in his game to hurt or overwhelm Tsitsipas consistently.
Prediction: Tstisipas in 2
Daniil Medvedev vs Alex de Minaur
Head-to-head: Medvedev 7-3 de Minaur
Medvedev has never hidden his disdain for clay. That reality means the former world No. 1 deserves much credit for battling through in the deciding set in each match so far. However, that run is predicted to end. De Minaur beat Medvedev on pretty slow clay at the 2024 French Open, and the courts in Monte Carlo are not too dissimilar. Those conditions encourage de Minaur to attack more than usual, which would help his cause here.
Prediction: De Minaur in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
