The ATP Monte Carlo Masters is poised for an exciting second day, featuring 12 matches amidst Monaco’s scenic backdrop. Players will vie for a coveted spot in the second round.
Match Previews
Andrey Rublev vs Nuno Borges
Head-to-head: Rublev leads 3-0.
Andrey Rublev holds a dominant 3-0 head-to-head record against Nuno Borges, having won all their previous encounters in straight sets, including a match earlier this year in Hong Kong. While Borges might find more success on his favored clay surface and has shown solid form this season, overcoming Rublev remains a significant challenge. Rublev’s groundstrokes are notably stronger, and he boasts an impressive record at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters, having won the title in 2023 and reached the final in 2021. The 13th seed is expected to have a comfortable outing in this favorable matchup.
Zizou Bergs vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: Mannarino leads 1-0.
Adrian Mannarino secured victory in their sole prior meeting 18 months ago in Bercy, recovering from a set down. However, Zizou Bergs has shown significant improvement since then and is likely the slight favorite for this match. The conditions in Monte Carlo are expected to favor Bergs’ powerful baseline game. Despite Mannarino’s veteran expertise in disrupting opponents’ rhythm and his slightly higher ranking, if Bergs performs at his peak, the Belgian is well-positioned to advance.
Cristian Garin vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-head: Arnaldi leads 1-0.
This match promises an engaging clay-court battle, even though both players have had mixed form recently. Cristian Garin, a former top-15 player, has struggled, nearing a return to outside the top 100. Nevertheless, he successfully qualified for the main draw with two wins against Jesper de Jong and Nikoloz Basilashvili, building momentum. Matteo Arnaldi’s qualifying run was less straightforward; he lost in the final round but entered the main draw as a lucky loser. While Arnaldi is capable of capitalizing on this second chance, Garin’s recent qualifying success could give the experienced Chilean a crucial edge. A closely contested three-set match is a strong possibility.
Flavio Cobolli vs Francisco Comesana
Head-to-head: First meeting.
Flavio Cobolli aims to make a strong impression on his favored clay courts in the coming weeks. His ATP Monte Carlo Masters campaign begins with a tough challenge against Francisco Comesana. Although Comesana isn’t a constant presence at the elite level, the Argentine is a skilled clay-court player, a common trait among his compatriots, and demonstrated excellent form during the qualifying rounds. Cobolli’s recent ‘Sunshine Double’ was underwhelming, with only one win in Indian Wells. However, he did claim the Acapulco title just prior to that. If he can regain that winning form, he should overcome Comesana, though he may need to fight hard for the win.