Monte Carlo Masters 2024: Gael Monfils vs Jordan Thompson; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

The 2024 Monte Carlo Masters has begun the round 2 matches. Gael Monfils and Jordan Thompson will play against each other in one of those matches. While both players have different forms, their goals are the same. A win can help them gain more momentum for the ongoing clay Masters, which both need urgently.

Monfils and Thompson have struggled in the current season so far. They have shown glimpses of their best form but have not been able to maintain a position where they can be the dominant player. Their clash is going to be close.

Gael Monfils vs Jordan Thompson: Preview

Monfils has had a topsy-turvy season in 2024. The Frenchman displayed his best performance in the Qatar Open and the Indian Wells Masters, with a run to the semifinal and the fourth round, respectively. The Miami Open saw him run to round three before Carlos Alcaraz eventually eliminated him in straight sets.

Prior to Monte Carlo, Monfils played in the Estoril Open. After a 7-5, 7-5 victory against Henrique Rocha, he lost in the second round to Martin Fucsovics. While he lost, he became used to clay after playing on the hard court for the entire year. 

Jordan Thompson has played in many tournaments this year and has achieved good results. His best performance came in the Los Cabos Open, where he beat Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud to win the finals. He faced back-to-back exits in the Mexican, BNP Paribas, and Miami Open.

However, a change of surface was advantageous for him as he ran to the quarterfinal of the US Men’s Clay Court Championships, losing to eventual finalist Frances Tiafoe. Thompson has been on a great run in the past season and has set himself for a chance at revenge against Monfils.  

Monfils vs Thompson: Head-to-Head

Monfils and Thompson have played against each other twice on the ATP Tour. Their first match took place in the 2023 Indian Wells Masters, where Thompson thumped the French player in two sets, 6-3, 6-1. Monfils would have his revenge in the 2024 Miami Open as he ended Thompson’s hope in three sets, 6-7, 6-1, 6-2.

Both have won a match against each other, which does not set them apart when it comes to playing one another. Additionally, their matches have been held on the hard court, which does not give any clear insight into how their match will proceed on the red clay.

Prediction: Monfils to take the win

Jordan Thompson is the usual hardcourt expert. He rarely plays on clay courts. Thompson played well in Houston, but his last win on a European clay court came in 2021 against Richard Gasquet in Barcelona. In the last 6 months, Monfils has saved 62.65% of breakpoints in recent form, while Thompson has saved 70.28%, which is an important number for in-game betting predictions.

Over the last year, Monfils has won 56.25% of his matches, while Thompson has won 60.27%. While certain statistics favor Thompson, Monfils has a higher win percentage on clay court, 62.75% to Thompson’s 58.5%. He has also attained a win on European clay, which is slower than American clay. Monfils is set to win the bout unless Thompson can surprise us. 

Read More – ‘Fire Is Still There’- 37-Year-Old Gael Monfils Confident of a Career Revival at Miami Open