By Tony Fairbairn
- Andrey Rublev [7] v Gael Monfils
- Carlos Alcaraz [2] v Francisco Cerundolo
- Casper Ruud [4] v Roberto Bautista Agut
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – Andrey Rublev will begin life under Marat Safin against Gael Monfils in a red-hot second round match in Monte-Carlo.
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Andrey Rublev [7] v Gael Monfils H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Andrey Rublev [7] v Gael Monfils | H2H: Rublev leads 2-1 |
| ATP Monte-Carlo 2025 | Monte-Carlo, Monaco |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: $44,220 |
| Second on Court Des Princes (11:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
It’s been a turbulent season for Andrey Rublev so far with early exits started his season before winning the ATP 500 in Doha which sparked life into his year. However the good feeling in Rublev’s game didn’t last long as the seventh seed failed to win a match in America. This has led to drastic changes including the hiring of former world number one Marat Safin to his team, a person he has known since his childhood. Rublev will be hoping the latest appointment can have a positive effect on his game as the former champion will aim to kickstart his year on the red dirt.
A very tough opening assignment awaits Rublev in the form of charismatic Frenchman Gael Monfils. Monfils was seemingly struggling in his first round match before winning a classic Monfils point to lift his game and cruise to a three set win over Fabian Maroszan. The Frenchman had a spectacular start to the year but that seems to have tailed off recently as he looks to wrestle momentum back to positivity in the clay court season. As a potential final Roland Garros campaign awaits, there is huge incentive for Monfils to perform ahead of the second Grand Slam of the season.
Rublev will aim to dictate the play on the forehand and will wait for his moments to be aggressive as he looks to test Monfils’ athleticism. Meanwhile Monfils will aim to serve aggressively as he will use the backhand to turn the point around in his favour and finish points off at the net. This is a close match to call but Monfils’ more consistent confidence could prove the difference in a tricky first match for Rublev.
Prediction: Monfils in three sets.
Carlos Alcaraz [2] v Francisco Cerundolo H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Carlos Alcaraz [2] v Francisco Cerundolo | H2H: Alcaraz leads 2-0 |
| ATP Monte-Carlo 2025 | Monte-Carlo, Monaco |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: $44,220 |
| Second on Court Rainier III (11:30 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Carlos Alcaraz is set to make only his second appearance in Monte-Carlo after missing the last couple of years due to injury. The Spaniard’s only ever appearance came in 2022 where he lost in the first round but is a completely different player three years later. Having won four Grand Slams on three different surfaces, Alcaraz is a well established Grand Slam champion but comes to Monaco looking to respond to critics after an underwhelming start to the year. Now Alcaraz begins his bid to defend the Roland Garros title by aiming to send an early statement in Monaco.
An awkward test awaits Alcaraz in his first match when he takes on Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo. The world number 22 was very close to defeating Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros last year and will fancy his chances of causing another statement on clay this year. The Argentinian enters the clay season having reached back-to-back quarter-finals in Indian Wells and Miami with his deadly forehand once again doing damage in America. Now Cerundolo looks to be consistent and take advantage of one of his favourite times of the season.
Alcaraz will aim to serve aggressively and use variety to force errors from Cerundolo’s game. Meanwhile the Argentinian will use top spin to force Alcaraz in awkward positions and take advantage of the Spaniard’s rusty form. This will be a good early test for Alcaraz but the former world number one should begin his clay court season with victory.
Prediction: Alcaraz in straight sets.
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Casper Ruud [4] v Roberto Bautista Agut H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Casper Ruud [4] v Roberto Bautista Agut | H2H: Bautista Agut leads 3-1 |
| ATP Monte-Carlo 2025 | Monte-Carlo, Monaco |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: $44,220 |
| Third on Court Des Princes (13:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Casper Ruud has had an underwhelming season so far but the Norwegian is now approaching his favourite time of the year. The fourth seed reached the final in Monte-Carlo last year and is always one of the favourites in Paris having reached the final on two separate occasions. Although his season is yet to get started, Ruud’s movement and attacking qualities make him a dangerous prospect on the clay and the 26 year-old looks to prove that once again this year.
A very tough opening match awaits Ruud in the form of Roberto Bautista Agut. The Spaniard might be 36 years old but still possess an aggressive and consistent game to test the world’s very best players. Although Bautista Agut would have liked better results to start the year, he will take confidence from his opening round win over Brandon Nakashima. Now the Spaniard will aim to continue his recent record over Ruud and record a fourth victory in five meetings against the Norwegian.
Ruud will aim to be aggressive on serve as he looks to neutralise the Bautista Agut backhand and dictate play from the baseline. Meanwhile Bautista Agut will look to get the first strike in the rally and use depth to force the shorter ball from the Norwegian. This will be a match that is expected to go all the way but Ruud should have enough quality to prevail in a thrilling opening test.
Prediction: Ruud in three sets.
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