Tennis at Tokyo Olympics 2020: Gael Monfils vs Ilya Ivashka Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

Tennis at Tokyo Olympics 2020: Gael Monfils vs Ilya Ivashka Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

Gael Monfils and Ilya Ivashka

Experienced French world number 18 Gael Monfils makes his 3rd Olympics appearance, after having been at the event in 2008 and 2016. He faces Ilya Ivashka of Belarus in the first round on Saturday.

Gael Monfils vs Ilya Ivashka : Match Details

TournamentTokyo Olympics
MatchGael Monfils vs Ilya Ivashka
RoundFirst Round
Date24th July 2021
VenueTokyo, Japan
SurfaceHard Court

Gael Monfils vs Ilya Ivashka : Preview

Gael Monfils
Gael Monfils has been inconsistent and has a poor 3-9 record in 2021

Former world number 6 Monfils has had a very eventful build-up to the Games, having tied the knot to WTA World number 6 Elina Svitolina not more than a week ago. He does, however, come into the clash after a horrendous Wimbledon, where he crashed out in the second round to unseeded Spaniard Pedro Martinez in 4 sets. He had an even worse Eastbourne International experience, losing in the Round of 16 to another unseeded player, this time Australia’s Max Purcell. He was seeded first for that event but faltered in the first match he played

27-year-old Belarusian Ilya Ivashka reached a career high ranking of 63 only last week and will look to build on performances like beating Alexander Zverev at the Bavarian International. At the French Open he failed to qualify for the tournament itself but had a better showing on the grass courts of Wimbledon, reaching the Round of 16 before losing to eventual runner up Matteo Berrettini of Italy.

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Gael Monfils vs Ilya Ivashka : Head to Head

Ilya Ivashka
Ilya Ivashka had himself a good Wimbledon, losing to Matteo Berrettini in the Round of 16

Gael emerged victorious in the only meeting between the pair, which took place at the Canadian Open in 2019, winning in straight sets. He leads the Head to Head 1-0.

Gael Monfils vs Ilya Ivashka : Prediction

Gael Monfils
Gael Monfils’ marriage will definitely play a part in his performance

The fact that the Frenchman has recently been married will surely play a part in his preparation and performance. On form alone, you could make a case for Ivashka going into the match as favourite and the Belarus international will surely cause Gael problems throughout the first round.

Prediction: Ivashka to win a tight 3 setter

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Also Read: Here come the pictures! Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina wedding pictures released