Matteo Berrettini and Daniil Medvedev are set to clash in a highly anticipated second-round match at the Monte-Carlo Masters. This bout marks their fourth encounter on the ATP Tour. Both players have a significant collection of titles, totaling 33 between them. However, Berrettini’s recent injuries have caused a drop in his rankings, while Medvedev is eager for success in the European clay swing after an early exit in Miami.
Match Preview: Medvedev vs. Berrettini
Medvedev has a complicated history with clay courts, traditionally his least favored surface. Despite this, he aims to better his performance from last year, where he faced early exits in major clay tournaments. In 2022, he reached the quarter-finals in Madrid but struggled in Monte-Carlo and Rome. His clay campaign concluded with a first-round loss at the French Open, initiating a series of disappointing Grand Slam performances.
In 2023, Medvedev holds an 11-4 record entering the clay season. His goal is to earn an 11th career victory at the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he currently has a 10-6 record. Notably, he has not exited in the first or second round since 2018.
Berrettini’s Journey
Berrettini, a former world No. 6, began his tournament with a victory over veteran Roberto Bautista Agut, who retired during their first-round match. This marked Berrettini’s fifth career win in Monte-Carlo. Despite being a one-time Masters finalist on clay, he has yet to surpass the third round in this tournament.
His recent form has been inconsistent, standing at 7-6 before this encounter with Medvedev. Although he has notched four wins on clay this season, they include victories over lower-ranked players. Berrettini’s ability to compete against top-10 players remains in question, as he has struggled against them lately.
Previous Encounters
| Event | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
| ATP Cup | 2022 | Medvedev 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-4 |
| ATP Cup | 2021 | Medvedev 6-4, 6-2 |
| Indian Wells | 2018 | Medvedev 6-7(6), 7-5, 6-4 |
Currently, Medvedev leads their head-to-head matchups 3-0, with all matches occurring on hard courts. Their most recent meeting took place four years ago. This match represents their first encounter on clay, a challenging environment for both players.
Prediction
Given Berrettini’s recent struggles against top players and Medvedev’s solid record, a victory for Medvedev is anticipated. Although surprising defeats can occur, Medvedev’s experience on tour and current form suggest he will advance to the last 16 in Monte-Carlo.
