TennisSection previews the 2021 Monte-Carlo Masters as Cristian Garin (16) meets Felix Auger-Aliassime in the First Round on Monday April 12th, 2021.
This is a blockbuster First Round matchup at the 2021 Monte-Carlo Masters between Cristian Garin and Felix Auger-Aliassime. Two of the top young players on the ATP Tour collide in what is sure to be a very exciting match, and it is a pity that they have to meet so early in the draw. Will it be the highly-rated clay courter Garin getting the win? Or will new coach Toni Nadal inspire the young Canadian to victory here in Monaco?
Cristian Garin is currently ranked #20 in the ATP world rankings and has established himself as one of the best clay court players in the world today. The Chilean number one has had a very mixed season so far in 2021, with a 4-3 record. He won the title at home in Santiago but otherwise has lost in the First Round at every other tournament that he has played. Garin will be looking for a strong run here at the 2021 Monte-Carlo Masters to kick start his inconsistent season so far. The holder of 5 career ATP titles on clay, Garin is considered the favorite to win this match due to his impressive clay court resume, and his heavy groundstrokes are a huge weapon on the slow surface. He will know that his opponent Felix Auger-Aliassime is a very dangerous player however, and is not to be taken lightly.
Felix Auger-Aliassime is currently ranked #22 in the world and is considered one of the brightest young stars on the ATP Tour. Despite his considerable success on hard courts, his game has not always translated well to the clay and he will be the underdog here against Cristian Garin. The young Canadian has had a solid year so far in 2021, compiling a 10-5 record but is still chasing that elusive first ATP Title, having been to seven Finals without success. He has recently hired Toni Nadal to his team, in the hopes that the highly successful coach will bring some success to his clay court season. FAA has been handed a tough draw here at the 2021 Monte-Carlo Masters and will have to be at his best to advance.
The two men have faced each other twice before, and the head to head is tied at 1-1. Interestingly, both of the matches have been on clay, each winning once in 2019 during the South American swing. Cristian Garin is the obvious favorite here with his impressive clay court career record, however Felix Auger-Aliassme has established himself in the top 25 and will not go down lightly. The Canadian received a huge boost by working with Toni Nadal, who has coached the greatest clay court player of all time, Rafael Nadal. While it is still too soon for any major changes in his game to take effect, the mental boost of working with a Grand Slam winning coach will be huge. All things considered, I am backing Cristian Garin to get the win here. He hasn’t been at his consistent best so far this year, but he is a superior clay court player to his opponent and I expect him to be able to grind out a close win here. Cristian Garin will win and advance at the 2021 Monte-Carlo Masters.
Free Tennis Pick and Prediction: Cristian Garin to win.
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