Betdistrict.com
Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon will square off in an all-French final at the indoor hard event at ATP Marseille.
Gael Monfils had a rather poor start in 2015, especially after the expectations raised following his solid campaign last year. The talented frenchman dropped out of the top 20 and was not able to challenge the top players, losing big to the likes of Berdych or Gasquet, even being defeated by Janowicz. However, Gael is always comfortable at home, he reached the semifinals at Montpellier a couple of weeks ago and now seems to have finally regained his optimal tennis form here in Marseille. Gael did not lose a single set en route to the final, actually won all sets with 6-4 or less (except the first round against A. Zverev). Indeed, the likes of Bautista Agut, Zverev, Kuznetsov or Bolelli were not exactly top class opposition, but still a very good showing by Gael – sharp, confident, without errors.
Bet on Gael Monfils vs. Gilles Simon now and watch the game live at Bet365.com!
Simon did not have such an easy time in his road to the final, struggling at times against the likes of Stakhovsky or Coric, even Chardy, but Gilles eventually completed the job. He surely looks in better form than Monfils long-term, coming after a great tournament last week in Rotterdam where he defeated Andy Murray in two sets before eventually being blown out by a red hot Berdych in the semifinals.
Simon leads the Head 2 Head 4-1 and his smart, intelligent smart-aggressive brand of tennis is clearly giving him a matchup advantage against Monfils. Simon won the last 2 meetings and leads the Head 2 Head on hard courts 3-1.
Listen, Monfils looked the better player and played better tennis so far in this tournament and Simon did have his ups and downs, but I am still giving Gilles the first chance. The main two reasons are the Head 2 Head and matchup, which are always key factors. Also, the fact that Gilles has been more consistent over the last few weeks is also important. I can see an outcome very similar to last week`s final in Rotterdam, where a red hot Berdych eventually conceded defeat to Wawrinka just because the Swiss’ style was a nightmare matchup for Tomas.
Look for some very good tennis and probably 3 sets, but Gilles will be the more consistent guy in the end, frustrating the shaky Monfils with his baseline game. My tip is Gilles Simon to win. Prediction: Gael Monfils – Gilles Simon 6-3 5-7 4-6.
Pick: Simon
Odds: 2.47 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 10.29
Event date: 22 February
