The ATP Monte Carlo Masters is set for an exciting second day, with 12 matches scheduled amidst the beautiful surroundings of Monaco. This article provides predictions for several key encounters as players vie for a spot in the second round.
ATP Monte Carlo Day 2 Match Previews
Andrey Rublev vs Nuno Borges
Head-to-head: Rublev 3-0 Borges
Andrey Rublev has consistently dominated this rivalry, winning all three of their previous matches in straight sets, including their recent encounter in Hong Kong earlier this year. While Nuno Borges might find more success on his preferred clay surface and has displayed solid form this season, overcoming Rublev remains a significant challenge for the Portuguese player.
Rublev’s groundstrokes are notably superior to Borges’, and the Russian has an impressive track record at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters, having won the title in 2023 and reached the final in 2021. The 13th seed is anticipated to have a relatively comfortable day in a matchup he clearly finds favorable.
Prediction: Rublev in 2
Zizou Bergs vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: Mannarino 1-0 Bergs
Adrian Mannarino previously defeated Zizou Bergs in their sole meeting 18 months ago in Bercy, staging a comeback from a set down to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the round of 32. However, Bergs has shown considerable improvement since then and is likely the slight favorite for this match, particularly given the conditions that should suit his powerful baseline game.
This isn’t to say he’ll have an easy time; the veteran Frenchman is still adept at disrupting his opponents’ rhythm and, despite nearing his 38th birthday, holds a marginally higher ranking. Nevertheless, if Bergs can play at his best and draw inspiration from his doubles partner Jannik Sinner, the Belgian should possess just enough to advance.
Prediction: Bergs in 3
Cristian Garin vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-head: Arnaldi 1-0 Garin
This match has the potential for an engaging clay-court battle, even though neither player is currently in peak form. Cristian Garin, who once approached the top 15, has experienced a difficult period and is once again close to dropping out of the top 100. Despite this, he secured two important wins in the qualifying rounds against Jesper de Jong and Nikoloz Basilashvili to enter the main draw.
Matteo Arnaldi’s qualifying campaign was less smooth; he suffered a narrow loss to Alexandre Muller in the final round but was granted a reprieve as a lucky loser. Arnaldi certainly has the skills to seize this opportunity. However, if Garin can maintain the momentum he built during qualifying, the experienced Chilean is likely to have the upper hand. A three-set encounter would not be surprising.
Prediction: Garin in 3
Flavio Cobolli vs Francisco Comesana
Head-to-head: First meeting
Flavio Cobolli will undoubtedly be eager to make a strong impression on his preferred clay courts in the upcoming weeks. However, the 10th seed faces a challenging opening match at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters. Francisco Comesana, while not a regular on the elite tour, is a very capable clay-court specialist, much like many of his Argentine compatriots, and displayed sharp form throughout the qualifying rounds.
Cobolli, on the other hand, had a somewhat disappointing “Sunshine Double” run, winning only one match in Indian Wells. However, he did claim the Acapulco title just before heading to the USA. If he can rediscover that winning level, he should be able to overcome Comesana here, though he might need to work hard for the victory.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
