Open 13 Semi-Final Preview: Monfils Vs Agut, Simon Vs Stakhovsky

The ATP 250 Open 13 tournament in Marseilles features one of French Tennis’ very best in Gael Monfils and one of the tour’s most consistent players in Bautista Agut.

Gael Monfils (W/C 7) Vs Roberto Bautista Agut

Monfils was 1-6 in Marseilles before this year’s tournament. That is a surprise considering he has won the indoor hard events in Metz and Montpellier (twice) in his home country, and he has been to the semi-finals at Roland Garros, his best Slam showing.

Monfils seems to have saved his best tennis for his home country everywhere else but Marseille, but this year is set on making amends.

Facing Agut in the semis means he is likely to make his first Marseille final. Only last week Monfils beat Agut in the Rotterdam last sixteen 7-5, 7-6 (5). Monfils also beat Agut last season on one of the tour’s fastest outdoor hard courts in Cincinnati by the convincing score line of 6-4, 6-1.

Both men come into the semi on the back of straight sets quarter-final wins. Monfils displayed the superior serving in his match, winning 90 percent of his first serves, 65 percent of his second serves and faced only one break point, which he saved. If Monfils can bring that level of serving to the semi-final, then it is going to be difficult for Agut to get his first win against the Frenchman.

Prediction: Monfils to win in straight sets.

Gilles Simon (5) Vs Sergiy Stakhovsky.

Stakhovsky is a surprise addition to the last four line up, and he reached his first ATP Tour semi-final since Sydney 2014 by beating the in-form Stan Wawrinka in three sets.

Simon is also in good form. The Frenchman beat Murray for the first time in 13 tries on his way to the Rotterdam semi-finals and is reaping the rewards from adding a touch more aggression to his baseline game which tends to be mostly defensive as Simon is one of the quickest players on the tour and can wear down the very best on his day.

Simon will need that defence against the attacking Stakhovsky who made history when he knocked Roger Federer out of the 2013 Wimbledon second round. Stakhovsky is a streaky player and will be feeling confident after defeating Wawrinka.

Simon, though, has a few too many dimensions for Stakhovsky and leads their career head to head 2-0. Simon has also won 4 indoor hard court titles, two in Metz, one in Bangkok and one in Marseille. The Frenchman also has the home crowd behind him, a crowd who will be rooting for a Monfils- Simon final on Sunday.

Prediction: Simon to win in three sets.

Commentary by Christian Deverille