Monte-Carlo Masters 2024: Holger Rune vs Sumit Nagal preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (7) Holger Rune vs Sumit Nagal
Date: Wednesday, April 10
Tournament: Monte-Carlo Masters 2024
Round: Second Round
Venue: Monte Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Category: ATP 1000
Surface: Clay (Outdoor)
Prize Money: €5,950,575
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN
Holger Rune vs Sumit Nagal preview
Seventh seed Holger Rune is slated to take on Sumit Nagal of India in the second round of the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters on Wednesday, April 10.
Rune kicked off his 2024 season at the Brisbane International where he succumbed to Grigor Dimitrov in the title-decider. He was shocked in the second round of the Australian Open by French teen Arthur Cazaux.
The Dane reached the last four at the Open Sud De France but was forced to retire mid-way through the clash against Borna Coric. He lost a gripping three-setter to Alexander Shevchenko in Rotterdam a couple of weeks later.
Rune reached the last four at the Mexican Open, where he lost to Casper Ruud despite being one set up. He reached the last eight at the BNP Paribas Open but lost to eventual runner-up Daniil Medvedev.
Seeded sixth at the Miami Open, the Dane suffered a disappointing first-round defeat to Hungary's Fabian Marozsan.
Nagal, meanwhile, kicked off his Monte Carlo campaign in the qualifiers. He saw off eighth seed Flavio Cobolli and third seed Facundo Diaz Acosta to seal his fifth main-draw appearance of the year.
Up against Italian youngster Matteo Arnaldi in the first round, Nagal lost a close opening set. But he bounced back in sets two and three, producing some terrific tennis to seal a 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 victory.
It is worth mentioning that Nagal also created history at the 2024 Australian Open, as he became the first Indian since 1989 to beat a seeded player in a Grand Slam match. He beat Alexander Bublik in straight sets, before bowing out in the second round against Shang Juncheng.
Holger Rune vs Sumit Nagal head-to-head
Holger Rune leads Sumit Nagal 1-0 in their head-to-head. He won their previous encounter 7-5, 6-3 in the Davis Cup last year.
Holger Rune vs Sumit Nagal odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Holger Rune vs Sumit Nagal prediction
Defending champion Holger Rune holds the edge over Sumit Nagal in terms of experience ahead of their clash. But you can't rule out a surprise from the Indian, who has been in some terrific form recently.
It will be the 20-year-old Dane's first match on the red dirt this season, and he will be eager to start on a bright note. Rune is currently 13-7 this season during the hard-court swing and without a title. His disappointing defeat to Andrey Rublev in last year's final will be added motivation for the youngster to lift the title this time around.
Nagal, meanwhile, has stated in the past that clay is his favorite surface, and he's proved that with his results on the Challenger and Futures circuits. The World No. 93 has looked in good touch ever since landing in Monte-Carlo and will look to keep the good form going against a formidable opponent in Rune.
That said, Nagal will have to serve well and create early inroads on the Rune's serve if he is to have any chance.
Pick: Holger Rune in straight sets.