Analysis for Monfils-Karlovic (ATP Monte Carlo)

Head-to-head record 1:0

We know that the odds aren´t outstanding here but we can hardly imagine Karlovic to play in the third round here. We saw him against Grosjean in the first round and he was really helpless during the rallies. Especially his backhand shots were awful and he made just one winner from backhand side. He has a killing serve but it shouldn’t be enough against French fighter. Monfils is coming back after he withdrew from the 2007 US Open with a hamstring injury. He also was forced to withdraw from the 2008 Australian Open due to the same injury but he seems to be fully fit and played some solid tennis in the first round against Verdasco. He is known for his competitiveness and wins most of his matches with relentless aggression, fitness, consistent shots, and highly skilled footwork. Although he is known primarily as an offensive baseliner, Monfils is actually a skilled volleyer and is known for having one of the best overhead smashes in the game. He also has underrated variety in his shots and will occasionally use a drop shot or drop volley to win a point. His style of play is simply well suited to clay and he should be able to take the advantage of the surface against powerful Karlovic. Odds aren´t great but still can be taken.