Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils H2H Preview: Madrid Open 2022 | Match Prediction

Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils: Madrid Open Preview

Awaiting to play against Gael Monfils in the Round of 32 at the Madrid Open is World No 1 Novak Djokovic. 

The last time they had clashed was in 2021 at the ATP Paris Masters 1000 in the Round of 16.

Djokovic will be playing Monfils after getting the first round as a bye. Monfils in his first-round defeated Spaniard Carlos Gimeno Valero.  

Djokovic will be playing at the Madrid Open after his shocking first-round exit from the Monte Carlo Masters. 

Given his controversial start on his ATP Tour and a dip in his performance, it will be a tough match for him as opposed to Monfils who won 6-3, 6-0. Monfils is a two-time quarterfinalist’s one in 2008 and 2010 and will be making his 11th appearance at the tournament.

Looking strong from the start of this year’s tour, Monfils won the Adelaide International in January and reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, though losing his form in his following matches.  

“[Playing Djokovic] is going to be a big challenge for me,” Monfils told ATPTour.com after his quickfire 6-3, 6-0 win over Spanish wild card Gimeno Valero. 

“I have never beaten him on the ATP Tour. I am getting my rhythm back as well and it is funny because he is too but has more matches on clay than me. I will try and make good decisions on the court, to try and beat him.”

“The guy is better than me, that is it,” said Monfils. “Every match is an opportunity to win; I try to take some lessons. He can beat me tomorrow and maybe at Rome and then Roland Garros, and then maybe I can beat him once." 

Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils: Head-to-Head Record

The World No 1 has a 17-0 lead against the World No 21.

They will be playing against each other at the Madrid Open for first time and Monfils hopes to regain his form to win his maiden match against Djokovic.

The Frenchman’s outstanding defensive skills could be his key to winning against the World No 1. In his first-round clash, Tennis Data Innovations Conversion and Steal recorded that Monfils won 19 of 33 points after being in a defensive situation against his opponent. 

According to the match’s Balance of Power, Gimeno Valera was on the offensive side, but struggled to convert because of Monfils’ acrobatic defence. Credits ATP.com

Match Prediction: Sportco predicts Novak Djokovic to win by 3 sets against Gael Monfils.