ATP Stockholm Final Prediction – Monfils vs Kotov

Aug 29, 2023; Flushing, NY, USA; Gael Monfils of France serves during his match against Taro Daniel of Japan on day two of the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

It’s time for the final of the 2023 ATP Stockholm Open. Pavel Kotov, a qualifier, aims to transform his first-ever appearance at this stage into a championship title. Meanwhile, Gael Monfils boasts the experience of participating in 33 main tour finals, with 11 victories to his name. Who will come out on top and secure the trophy?

ATP Stockholm Final Prediction

Gael Monfils vs Pavel Kotov

Head-to-head: first meeting

Monfils demonstrated exceptional form during the North American hard-court swing. However, concerns arose about his performance in Stockholm, having only appeared at the Laver Cup following the US Open. Nevertheless, the 37-year-old Frenchman consistently delivered and reached his first ATP Tour final in 21 months (Adelaide 2022).

For Kotov, this serves as his inaugural ATP Tour final. The Russian qualifier displayed a series of remarkable performances, including notable victories over Tallon Griekspoor and Miomir Kecmanovic. Showing no signs of nervousness, Kotov’s flat forehand effortlessly pierced through the court.

With Kotov being a recent addition to the ATP Tour, these two players have yet to face one another. Even at the age of 37, Monfils possesses an exceptional first serve and exhibits excellent court coverage in defense, pressuring opponents into making errors.

This match will undoubtedly be the toughest for the Russian so far. While he has not experienced pressure yet, it is inevitable that he will face it at some point. Monfils boasts a relatively poor record in finals (11-22), but he has won four of his last five. If experience is going to pay off, it is likely to do so in a match against a first-time finalist like Kotov.

Prediction: Monfils in 3

Main photo credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports