Aslan Karatsev vs Lorenzo Musetti: Monte Carlo Open: Prediction | Preview | H2H Analysis

An in-form Aslan Karatsev takes on the Italian Next-Gen sensation Lorenzo Musetti in the first round of the Monte Carlo Open.

Karatsev last played in the Miami Open 10 days ago where he was knocked out in the third round by Sebastian Korda in straight sets.

On the other hand, Musetti lost in three sets in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 - Sardegna Open to the defending champion and World number 57, Laslo Djere. Musetti won just 59% of points on his first serve and converted only 27% of breakpoints.

Head to Head Record

This is the first-ever meeting between Karatsev and Musetti on the ATP Tour.

Key Insights

• The winner of this match will play the fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round. 
• Musetti has beaten 7 top-35 ranked players on the ATP Tour.
• Karatsev is playing his first match on clay courts this season.
• Musetti has a 7-4 win-loss on clay courts this year. 
• Musetti (19 years) is the youngest player in the top 100 of the ATP Rankings.
• Both Karatsev and Musetti are making their debut in the Monte Carlo Open.

Recent Form: ATP Tour

Karatsev has been one of the stand-out players on hard courts in 2021. His brilliant achievements include a semifinal finish in the Australian Open, Doha Open doubles title alongside compatriot Andrey Rublev and the Dubai Open title. 

From being ranked 114 at the start of this year's season to the 28th spot now, the Russian would aim to get his clay-court season off to a great start.

Musetti's prowess on clay came to light in the Rome Masters last year when he reached the pre-quarterfinals after winning three rounds of qualifying. The Italian teen notched up straight-set wins against top players like Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori.

He has continued his good form this year with runner-up finishes in the Antalya Open and Biella Open ATP Challenger tournaments, and a semifinal run in the ATP-500 Acapulco Open.

Game Analysis

Musetti's game suits the red dirt and he can flummox his opponents with his clever slice volleys and drop shots. His composure against the top seed Dan Evans was also impressive as he saved match points to win the clash in the pre-quarterfinals.

Karatsev has a ruthless record on hard courts in 2021 with 16 wins and just three losses. He would be a bit rusty on clay. The Russian is an aggressive player with a potent two-handed backhand. His ferocious ball-striking skills help him to get a lot of winners by operating close to the baseline.

Playing on a wildcard in the Monte Carlo Masters, Musetti will know the conditions quite well as he has been residing here for a long time. The Italian can unsettle Karatsev with his powerful down-the-line forehand and passing shots with his one-handed backhand.

Both players are composed under pressure and can rise up to the big occasion by playing clutch tennis. If Karatsev starts strongly, Musetti will find it tough to catch up.

Prediction - Aslan Karatsev to win in three sets

Featured Image Credits - firstsportz.com