Miami Open 2024: Carlos Alcaraz vs Gael Monfils preview, head-to-head, prediction, live streaming details

Frenchman Monfils could yet provide the biggest test so far for the top seed.

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and Gael Monfils will square off in the Miami Open 2024 third round. The number one-seeded Alcaraz hasn’t dropped a sweat so far as he got a bye in the first round. He took on fellow Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round. He started dominating the game from the start by breaking the serve of his opponent in the opening game.

It was not too long before he wrapped the first set 6-2. There was no looking back for the Spaniard as he dropped just one point in the second set to wrap up the game 6-2, 6-1. In the third round, it won’t be easy as he will take on Gael Monfils. The Frenchman is coming off a historic win in the second round, which was his 550th win of his career.

He is only the 42nd player and second man from France to achieve the feat after Richard Gasquet. It wasn’t an easy win either as Jordan Thomson gave a scare by winning the first set. But the 37-year-old showed his class in the next two sets to script a comeback win with a scoreline of 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-1. Monfils will face the tough challenge against the two-time Grand Slam champion in the third round.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Gael Monfils match details

• Date: March 26
• Time: 4:30 AM IST (Tentative)
• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Carlos Alcaraz vs Gael Monfils preview

Carlos Alcaraz has set high standards for himself, and the former world No. 1 is not someone who is satisfied by winning a game of Tennis. He gets into the precision of the execution of his strategy and such detailing has helped him climb up the ladder quickly. Learning from losses and executing against the same opponent to win has become a forte for Alcaraz.

A classic example of it was when he dominated Alexander Zverev in the quarters of the Indian Wells having lost to the German in the quarters of the Australian Open in January. He will be aware of the experience Gael Monfils brings to the table. The Frenchman despite his age is still one of the quick movers of the game and thrives in running on both sides of the court.

Both thrive in setting up the game with their service games. Alcaraz (84%) and Monfils (82%) have ensured their winning percentage in the service games is on the higher side. It might boil down to who breaks their opponent serve’s first and if they get a sniff, both has the ability to carry on the momentum.

Head-to-head records

Matches – 1

Carlos Alcaraz – 1

Gael Monfils – 0

It will be only the second time that Carlos Alcaraz will take on Gael Monfils. In their earlier meeting, it was the Spaniard who came out triumphing with a straight set win in the pre-quarterfinals of the 2022 Indian Wells. He was a teenager back then and in the last two years he has grown a lot in stature and will possess a tougher challenge to Gael Monfils.

Where and how to watch the live streaming and TV broadcast of Carlos Alcaraz vs Gael Monfils, Miami Open 2024 third-round match in India?

Sony Pictures Network holds the broadcasting rights for ATP 1000 tennis events in India. However, matches from Miami Open 2024 will be live telecast from the quarter-final stage. For now, fans can watch the third-round clash via live streaming on SonLiv.

Tennis enthusiasts can also opt for the premium streaming service, Tennis TV. This service offers live matches, as well as highlights and replays.

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Prediction

Alcaraz’s form has seen an upward trend and his countryman Carballes Baena felt it in the second round of the Miami Open. Winning the title at Indian Wells has given a dominating mindset to the 20-year-old and will be walking into any game with a mindset to win.

But if there is a man who could do unorthodox things, then it has been Gael Monfils. Even in the second round he lost the opening set in the tie-breaker but unleashed the champion in him to win the next two with ease. Much like wine, he seems to be getting better with age, and the 37-year-old has been playing some eye-catching tennis in recent times.

Gael delivered a whopping 42 winners in his second-round match. While he will continue to be aggressive, world No. 2 will be up for the task with his forehand, which can dominate the game and make it 2-0 against the Frenchman.

Result: Carlos Alcaraz to win in straight sets

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