Madrid Open 2019: Gael Monfils vs Andreas Seppi, match preview and prediction
After a fantastic start to this season, where he won the Rotterdam Open, Gael Monfils has lost his way a bit in recent times. He suffered a tendon injury during Indian Wells and didn't play a tournament from then until the ATP 250 Estoril Open last week, where he lost in the quarterfinal.
Andreas Seppi also had a decent start to the season as he reached the final at the Sydney International where he lost to the local boy Alex de Minaur. But since then the Italian has not been able to make significant inroads into any other tournament.
Seppi has always been a solid player who reaches the third or the fourth round of nearly every tournament before losing to one of the top 10 players. He is consistent enough to knock down his opponents in the initial stages but usually falls short in the big matches.
That said, Seppi would be looking to take advantage against a still-recovering Monfils in Madrid. The Italian is certainly steady enough to ask questions of even the best of claycourters.
Monfils on his part might not be at his best coming into the Madrid Open, but with a few more matches under his belt he is bound to get his rhythm and timing back.
The winner of this match will face the winner of the contest between David Goffin and Marton Fucsovics.
Wherever and whenever he plays, Monfils always entertains the fans with some crazy shots which seem impossible for any ordinary player. It is going to be tough for Seppi in this match as he would have to deal with a whole lot of madness on the court.
The crowd support might be neutral here with a little tilt towards Monfils.
Head-to-head record
The two players last faced each other in the third round of the Rotterdam Open this year where Monfils won the match after losing the first set. They have played each other six times overall, with Monfils coming out on top in four of those matches and Seppi winning the rest.
Match prediction: Monfils wins in three sets