The ATP1000 in Monte Carlo has just started, and it’s undeniable that 4 players are the top favorites: Rafael Nadal, Noval Djokovic, Sascha Zverev and Dominic Thiem. However, all of them seem to have some issues right now, and therefore there could be some opportunities to outsiders to surprise in the Principality.
Why Nadal, Djokovic, Thiem, and Zverev may struggle
Nadal
Rafa is the “unbreakable” King of Clay, and rightly so he is widely considered as the man to beat in Monte Carlo where he is bidding for his “mindblowing” 12th title in the Principality. However, Rafa had to retire from Indian Wells and Miami because of a knee injury and there are still doubts about his overall fitness. It is also very well accepted that if the Spanish legend has to go through 1 or 2 tough matches on the way he can really struggle during the later stages of the tournament as it often happens on hard courts.
Djokovic
Nole started his 2019 extremely well with his Australian Open title. However, after a prolonged break following his triumph in Melbourne, the world no.1 had an extremely poor performance for his standards in Indian Wells (3rd round) and Miami (4th round) to raise some eyebrows. Also, a rather worrisome signal is that his “love guru” Pepe Imaz was spotted at the courtside in Monaco, and that is no good…
Zverev
Sascha is having a horrific 2019 for what it was expected from him after the title at the ATP Finals last year in London. Except for Acapulco where he reached the final, the German disappointed in Melbourne (4th round), Indian Wells (3rd round), Miami (2nd round), and Marrakech (2nd round). The big question is: can Alexander stop the rot?
Thiem
Dominic is arguably considered as the best player on clay after Nadal. However, the Austrian is having a very odd 2019. In fact, besides his fantastic title in Indian Wells, he had horrific runs in Doha (1st round), Melbourne (2nd round), Buenos Aires (semifinal), Rio de Janeiro (2nd round), and Miami (2nd round). The Austrian is still among the hot favorites, but the doubts about a glorious run in Monte Carlo are legit.
Why Tsitsipas, Dimitrov, Auger Aliassime may be the big betting chances
Even if the 4 above players are the hot favorites, 3 competitors may surprise in Monte Carlo, and they might be an excellent opportunity for bettors.
Tsitsipas
Stefanos had a fantastic 2019 with his semifinal in Melbourne, the title in Marseille, and the final in Dubai. The world no.8 disappointed in Indian Wells (2nd round) and Miami (4th round), but it was clear that he was in burnout after playing an enormous amount of tournaments in the first 2 months of the season.
Tsitsipas was “born and raised” on clay, and this is a surface that he loves. Given also his growing confidence and the fact that Nadal (his nemesis) is on the other part of the draw he can be the big surprise of the event. Currently, Bet365 gives Stefanos’ chances to win Monte Carlo are currently at 26/1.
Dimitrov
Grigor has been struggling since he won the ATP Finals back in 2017. However, the Bulgarian is determined to get back at the top of the rankings, and he is also quite comfortable when playing in Monte Carlo where he has elected his residence.
Grigor reached the quarters last year at the Principality before losing 6-4 6-1 to Nadal. He is projected to face the Spaniard this year in the 3rd round, and Rafa is the obvious favorite to win that match. Nevertheless, if the Mallorcan is not in good condition, Grigor has a shot a pulling an upset. It’s interesting to notice that bet365 quotes Dimitrov’s chances to win Monte Carlo are currently at 67/1 which is not that bad.
Auger Aliassime
The 18-year-old is having an impressive 2019 after his final in Rio de Janeiro and the semifinal in Miami. Currently ranked no.12 in the Year to Date rankings, Felix is extremely comfortable to play on clay. Felix has also an amazing 5-0 win-loss record against top20 players.
He is definitely not one of the favorites in Monte Carlo, and he may very well crash out in the opener. However, Felix’ triumph in Monte Carlo is currently given at 81/1. It is improbable he will make, but if a youngster has to have a breakthrough tournament in the Principality that should be him.
Prediction, odds and who is the favorite
The pick for Tennis Tonic is that should win in sets.
Regarding the initial odds of bet365, is the pick to win this match.
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CAN THEY SURPRISE?
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