Gael Monfils is playing really solid tennis right now, and he will try and keep that going against Frances Tiafoe at the 2023 Vienna Open.
Two years ago, Tiafoe had an incredible run at the Vienna Open, making his way to the final and amazing the crowd with trick shots. He didn't win the trophy because he couldn't overcome Alexander Zverev, but the American likes playing in the Austrian capital.
He didn't look that good in round one against Daniel Evans, trailing early in that match 4-1, but he did advance because Evans injured himself and was forced to retire from their first-round match.
That was quite lucky because, with the level he played, Tiafoe was in trouble. I'm not convinced he would have won that match had his opponent not gotten injured.
When it comes to Monfils, he's in amazing form right now after his trophy run in Stockholm and he continued that against Daniel Altmaier in round one.
Head-to-head:
Monfils and Tiafoe played twice so far, with both players having one win. Monfils won the most recent match in Toronto in 2021, while Tiafoe won the one in 2019. Monfils is generally the better-performing player indoors, so keep that in mind.
Prediction:
So the matchup is a fascinating one because there is no question that Monfils is playing far better tennis right now than Tiafoe. He's also looking far more confident than Tiafoe, which also matters, and to a degree, he's been the better indoor tennis player.
All of that puts the odds on his side, and that's where I fall on, too. I do think Tiafoe can beat Monfils, but I don't think he will in this spot. He looks very 'out of it' and has looked that way for a while.
Monfils played a lot lately, and perhaps he hits a wall physically but if not, then I expect him to win the match.
Prediction: Gael Monfils to win in two sets.
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