Master 1000 Montecarlo - Day 4
De Minaur vs. Griekspoor
De Minaur is a player who likes to play close to the baseline and aggressively attack in response, besides being able to vary his shots well and play with a change of pace to keep his opponent off balance. On the other hand, Griekspoor struggled in the first round against Koepfer and will definitely need to maximize his serve and extend the match, but I believe that in the long run, the Australian can win.
Kachanov vs. Cerundolo
Here we have two players with opposite styles: Cerundolo relies more on variations and high trajectories, while the Russian powerhouse, Kachanov, prefers to rely on his sheer power. It could be a fairly contested match, but considering Kachanov's performance against Norrie yesterday, I think he's too much for Cerundolo, especially given the possible rain delay that could affect Cerundolo, who is already not mentally stable.
Sonego vs. Auger-Aliassime
Sonego, coming from being reinstated in the main draw after a withdrawal, seems confused and unable to be effective with his shots and lacks confidence, leading him to opt for a coaching change. On the other hand, Auger-Aliassime has shown comfort in his game, winning easily against Nardi and maintaining excellent consistency on serve. In my opinion, it's a one-sided match, but much will depend on Auger's start.
Hurkacz vs. Bautista Agut
Here we have two players with contrasting styles: Hurkacz, the best server on the circuit in terms of consistency and performance, but who struggled against a similar player like Draper, against the experienced former world number 10, Bautista Agut, who comes from qualifiers and, due to his age, may not always stand out, but when he's in good form like this week on this surface, he's always a threat. It could be a tough match, especially if Hurkacz were to concede something in the first set, but in the long run, I see him as the favorite.
Etcheverry vs. Tsitsipas
Both players are experienced on clay courts, with variations in their game and a strong serve and forehand, but a shaky backhand with few certainties. However, statistically, Tsitsipas is the third player in terms of winning percentages at Monte Carlo, so it's normal to consider him as the favorite. Much will depend on Etcheverry's serve and approach to the match, which remains a question mark, especially due to the many matches played recently that could take a toll.
Zhang vs. Humbert
Two similar players who prefer faster surfaces but also excel on clay, both equipped with a powerful serve and forehand, as well as excellent variations. All these factors make me believe that the match will be fought where the serve will dominate, and in the end, the more consistent player will prevail, and in terms of consistency, the Frenchman has few equals.
Monfils vs. Medvedev
Here we have Monfils, who sacrificed the Estoril tournament to prepare well for this event, facing the world number 4 who doesn't feel very comfortable on these courts. Monfils, with his variations and mental games, often manages to captivate the crowd and get their support, which fuels him; if we add to this the fact that Medvedev needs more time than others to get used to the surface, then pay attention to this match, which may seem straightforward for the Russian but isn't.