Shanghai Masters 2024: Gael Monfils vs Sebastian Baez preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Gael Monfils vs Sebastian Baez
Date: October 4, 2024
Tournament: Shanghai Masters 2024
Round: Second Round
Venue: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai, China
Category: ATP 1000
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize Money: $8,800,000
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Canada - TSN
Gael Monfils vs Sebastian Baez preview
World No. 46 Gael Monfils will take on World No. 25 Sebastian Baez in the second round of the Shanghai Masters.
Monfils has been putting in the hard yards to find his best potential this year. He's chalked up 22 wins from 42 matches, including semifinal runs in the Qatar Open and the Mallorca Tennis Championships. He also reached the third round of the Wimbledon Championships where he lost to Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets.
The Frenchman entered Shanghai on the back of a first-round exit in Beijing. He instantly made amends by defeating Damir Dzumhur in the opening round, 6-4, 6-3. Monfils is making his seventh appearance in the Shanghai Masters this year.
Sebastian Baez, meanwhile, is constantly improving his game on the men's tour. The Argentine has amassed 31 wins from 54 matches, including back-to-back titles in the Rio Open and the Chile Open. He also reached the semifinals of the Hamburg European Open, but lost to Arthur Fils in straight sets.
The 23-year-old will enter Shanghai on the back of a second round exit in New York. He started his campaign with a solid win against Luciano Darderi but came up shy against Tallon Griekspoor in the second round. Baez is making his second appearance in the Shanghai Masters this year.
Gael Monfils vs Sebastian Baez head-to-head
Monfils leads the head-to-head against Baez 1-0. He defeated the Argentine most recently in the 2023 French Open.
Gael Monfils vs Sebastian Baez odds
Odds will be updated when available.
Gael Monfils vs Sebastian Baez prediction
Gael Monfils has impressed his critics on the men's tour this year. Against all odds, he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Open, but couln't make it count in the Masters 1000 event. The Frenchman fell prey to Holger Rune in third round, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Baez, on the contrary, needs to emulate his claycourt game on all surfaces around the globe. The Argentine has the temperament to become a top player, but lacks the strategic approach against higher-ranked opponents. A few adjustments to his game plan could see him benefit in the long run.
Monfils will fancy his chances after a commanding win against Damir Dzumhur in the previous round. He won 67% of his first serve points and saved seven out of eight break points against the Bosnian. The veteran will need to be more clincial against a quality opponent like Baez. If he manages to sustain the early pressure and keeps a check on his errors, he could get past the Argentine in the second round.
Pick: Monfils to win in three sets.