ATP Cup 2021: Matteo Berrettini vs Gael Monfils Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

ATP Cup 2021: Matteo Berrettini vs Gael Monfils Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction
Gael Monfils vs Matteo Berrettini

Action at the 2021 ATP Cup will continue on Wednesday February 3rd, as Team Italy squares off with Team France to battle it out in Group C. The second singles match of the day will be played between No.1 players from their nations; French Gael Monfils and Italian rising star, Matteo Berrettini.

  • Fixture: Matteo Berrettini vs Gael Monfils
  • Date: 3 February 2021
  • Tournament: ATP Cup
  • Round: Group Stage
  • Venue: Melbourne, Australia
  • Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
  • Prize money: AUD $4,500,000

Matteo Berrettini vs Gael Monfils: Match Preview

Gael Monfils

Matteo Berrettini is currently ranked number 10 and is Italy’s captain at the ATP Cup 2021. He is coming off a relatively disappointing season by his high standards, where he struggled for both form and fitness. When in-form; the Italian is capable of some world-class tennis but it has been a while since we have seen that being reflected in his performance off-late. Hopefully he had a productive break and is finally injury-free; ready to build on his breakout 2019 season when he announced himself in the top 10 for the first time.

Gael Monfils is one of the most popular players on the tour who has been in top 10 player for a long time. The acrobatic French currently finds himself at number 11 and will be hoping to raise his ranking in 2021. Monfils is a very flashy player, capable of hitting spectacular winners from all over the court. 2020 marked the first time Monfils won two ATP Tour titles in a season.

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Matteo Berrettini vs Gael Monfils: Head to head

Matteo Berrettini

They pair have played once before, with the Italian claiming the victory in the five-set thriller match in the quarter-final round of the 2019 US Open. Head to head stands at 1-0 or Berrettini.

Matteo Berrettini vs Gael Monfils: Match Prediction

Gael Monfils

This is a close one to call since it’s a contest between the No.10 vs No.11 in world tennis. It usually comes down to which player prepared better over the off-season but these are two top players who must have focused on an identical goal of securing their position in the top 10.

Berretini boasts of a huge serve and groundstrokes which allow him to dominate opponents from the baseline and this will be the game plan here for the 27 year-old Italian. Monfils possesses a unique blend of power, shot-making and consistency that makes him unique on the ATP Tour. He is leading a strong French team here in Melbourne and they will be confident in their chances. 

Although the head to head being in favor of Berrettini, it would make sense to go with Monfils here. Berrettini has not shown his best in a long time and will definitely be struggling a little bit with confidence. On the contrary, the very experienced Monfils will ready to take full advantage. 

Match Prediction: Gael Monfils in three sets.

Also Read: ATP Cup 2021: Dominic Thiem vs Matteo Berrettini Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction