Valentin Vacherot, a local favorite, delivered an impressive first-round turnaround, keeping Monegasque aspirations alive at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters. The question remains: can he overcome a formidable clay specialist such as Lorenzo Musetti? As is our custom, we provide our forecasts for every match scheduled. Who will successfully progress to the third round?
ATP Monte Carlo Day 4 Match Previews
Francisco Cerundolo vs. Tomas Machac
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Despite Stefanos Tsitsipas’s recent form, he remains a significant presence in Monte Carlo. Francisco Cerundolo sent a clear message by dispatching the Greek in straight sets. Cerundolo has solidified his reputation as a top clay-court player, and a progression to the third round at this event seems overdue. While Tomas Machac is a capable adversary, Cerundolo holds a distinct edge on clay.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 2
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Marin Cilic
Head-to-Head: Auger-Aliassime 1-1 Cilic
Sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, with only two wins in six prior Monte Carlo appearances, aims to prevent another premature exit. Although he’s shown reasonable consistency this season, the peak form from late last year has somewhat diminished. This could present a prime opportunity for Marin Cilic to secure another victory over a top-10 player. Cilic has demonstrated strong form recently, leading me to predict an upset here.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
Joao Fonseca vs. Arthur Rinderknech
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Nineteen-year-old Joao Fonseca enjoyed an impressive Monte Carlo Masters debut, effortlessly overcoming Gabriel Diallo. Fonseca’s improved court coverage, combined with the extra time clay affords him to prepare his shots, will make him increasingly challenging for opponents to handle. Arthur Rinderknech is a formidable adversary, particularly with home crowd support, but Fonseca’s overall game should prove too strong for the Frenchman.
Prediction: Fonseca in 3
Lorenzo Musetti vs. Valentin Vacherot
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Valentin Vacherot displayed immense fortitude, rallying from a set and a break down to defeat Juan Manuel Cerundolo. He harnessed the energy of the crowd in the second set, using it as a catalyst to turn the match around. Nevertheless, crowd encouragement alone may not suffice against a player of Lorenzo Musetti’s caliber. Despite playing only one match since the Australian Open, Musetti has had significant recovery time, and I anticipate a robust performance from him in this encounter.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
