Fils-Musetti is a match valid for the second round of the Atp Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo: schedule, news, statistics, predictions, live TV and streaming.
Among the highlights of the second round of the Monte Carlo tournament, the season’s first Masters 1000 on clay, is the generational showdown between Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, class of 2002, and French tennis rising star Arthur Fils, two years younger. Two Next Gen exponents with different characteristics but not lacking in talent. And who, if they do not disappoint expectations, should be able to have their say in the coming years.
Musetti is still stable in the world’s top 30 but too many ups and downs are preventing him from making the long-awaited leap. In Miami two weeks ago, he was back to shine beating two solid opponents like Safiullin and Shelton on cement, only to surrender to world No. 3 Alcaraz. Very badly, on the other hand, in his first match of the season on shredded concrete, in theory the surface most congenial to him: in Estoril he was defeated by Portugal’s Nuno Borges in two sets. Defeat in any case immediately filed away in his debut in Monte Carlo, where he got rid with a clear 6-4 6-4 of the U.S. Fritz, who like all his compatriots on clay struggles much more. To try to treat himself to a challenge with Novak Djokovic – as he might find the Serbian champion in the third round last year – he will have to overcome the nontrivial transalpine hurdle.
Fils made his debut in the Principality against Germany’s Hanfmann, barely conceding two games in an hour and two minutes. The Frenchman had also debuted with success a week ago in Estoril, imposing himself on host Sousa, only to lose in his next match against Chilean Garin. This will be his first head-to-head with Musetti, with whom an exciting rivalry could be born in the future.
Fils-Musetti: the prediction
The feeling is that, as usual, much will depend on Musetti’s “moons.” The Italian certainly has more experience-especially on this surface and in this tournament-than Fils and starts slightly favored. Watch out, however, for the shots (especially the powerful forehand) of the transalpine talent, ready to take advantage of any bad day of the Italian. At least 23 games are expected.
