Tsitsipas struggles with his backhand, requiring time to set up, often relying on heavy topspin to reset rallies and create opportunities for his forehand. However, on clay, his backhand can be an effective weapon due to its good kick. Tsitsipas is likely to find it easier to serve compared to Musetti, who still needs to strengthen his serve. He is favored to win most forehand exchanges and has a better grasp of the strategic play needed for success in Monte Carlo. With a 5-0 head-to-head record, Tsitsipas is predicted to win the match. Pick: Tsitsipas ML (-164).
Tsitsipas tends to have difficulties with his backhand, as it requires time for him to position himself effectively. Even when time is on his side, he often resorts to hitting heavy topspin shots just to reset rallies, aiming to eventually set up his forehand. However, on clay, Tsitsipas’ backhand transforms into a more potent weapon; he generates good kick on it and can utilize it to create advantageous point situations. After that, it’s usually his forehand that clinches the point or his skill in approaching the net to finish with volleys.
In this particular match, I anticipate Tsitsipas will navigate his service games with more ease compared to Musetti, who still needs to refine his serve to make it a formidable asset. I also favor Tsitsipas to dominate most forehand-to-forehand exchanges. Additionally, Tsitsipas possesses a superior overall grasp of the strategies required to win the intense on-court battles we witness at Monte Carlo.
Although I’m not a strong proponent of relying on head-to-head records, a 5-0 advantage is hard to overlook. If the sets turn out to be closely contested, Musetti might experience some self-doubt during crucial moments.
Pick: Tsitsipas ML (-164)