Monte-Carlo Masters 2023: Diego Schwartzman vs David Goffin preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Diego Schwartzman vs David Goffin.
Tournament: Monte-Carlo Masters 2023.
Round: First round (Round of 64).
Venue: Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Category: ATP Masters 1000.
Surface: Outdoor clay.
Prize money: €5,779,335.
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video.
Diego Schwartzman vs David Goffin preview
Former top 10 players Diego Schwartzman and David Goffin are set to square off in the first round of the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters.
Schwartzman has struggled all year long so far. He lost his very first match of the season at the ASB Classic and was then knocked out of the Australian Open in the second round.
The Argentine next competed in the South American clay swing, but failed to win a match as he lost in the first round of all four tournaments. He snapped his losing streak by defeating compatriot Federico Coria in the first round of the Indian Wells Masters, but fell to Casper Ruud in the next round.
Schwartzman received a first-round bye at the Miami Open, after which he bested Yibing Wu to reach the third round. However, Holger Rune sent him packing in the next round.
He started his European clay swing at the Estoril Open, but suffered an opening-round exit at the hands of Marco Cecchinato.
Meanwhile, physical issues have stopped Goffin from competing at the highest level this season. While he lost both of his singles ties at the United Cup, he made it to the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic after that.
The Belgian missed the Australian Open due to illness, but went on to win a Challenger title the following week. Goffin lost in the first round of the ABN AMRO Open. He defeated Lukas Klein in the opening round of the Open 13 Provence, but pulled out of the tournament due to an injury.
A knee injury then forced Goffin to miss the Masters tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami. He's now making his comeback after being on the sidelines for more than a month.
Diego Schwartzman vs David Goffin head-to-head
Goffin leads Schwartzman 5-1 in the head-to-head. He won their previous encounter at the 2022 European Open in straight sets.
Diego Schwartzman vs David Goffin odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Diego Schwartzman vs David Goffin prediction
David Goffin would've been the firm favorite to win this contest under normal circumstances. His game matches up well against Diego Schwartzman, as evident by their lopsided head-to-head. However, the Belgian is just returning from an injury hiatus.
Considering it'll be Goffin's first match in almost six weeks, some rust is expected. Schwartzman has been low on form the entire year, notching up just three wins so far. Despite his poor results, the Argentine will be looking to one-up his old rival.
With fitness and form concerns casting an ominous shadow on this encounter, this match-up could swing either way. Schwartzman is usually a good player on clay, but is yet to win a match on the surface this season, going 0-5 so far.
Goffin has so far been able to dismantle Schwartzman's ground game with relative ease. The Argentine used to be a decent returner, but is lacking in that department this year.
If Goffin has recovered well from his injury, he should be able to score yet another win over Schwartzman. Otherwise, the Argentine should be able to scrape through to the next round.
Pick: David Goffin to win in three sets.