It’s one week until Wimbledon gets underway, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a week off for tennis fans. Far from it. Plenty of players are still in action this week, all eager to grab some momentum on grass ahead of the year’s third Grand Slam.
Two of these will be veterans Gael Monfils and Dominic Thiem. Both top contenders back in their day, the pair will now instead be looking to have one last hurrah in what could well be their final time in Mallorca. Who prevails? Read on for our Monfils vs Thiem prediction and betting tips.
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Player Form: Nothing to See Here
There’s very little to go by in terms of form for each player heading into this match, making it a fascinating encounter. Neither have played on grass this season, with both taking a break after Roland-Garros.
For Monfils, he’s had the better season by far. The Frenchman sits at a remarkable No. 40 in the world, despite being 37 years of age and suffering several injuries over recent years. So far in 2024 he’s maintained a win-loss of 13-13, with his best runs being a semi-final in Doha and Round of 16 in Indian Wells.
Ahead of Mallorca, however, he’s picked up just one win in his last five matches–in the first round of the French Open.
Thiem, on the other hand, hasn’t been faring so well. The former world No. 3 and Grand Slam champion has well and truly fallen from the once lofty heights of his career, and is now barely able to make main draws on the ATP Tour.
The Austrian is ranked No. 134 coming into this week, with just two wins in 2024. Once the ‘Prince of Clay; he was only able to get a single win on the surface this year, in the first round of Estoril. It’s safe to say Thiem’s retirement later this year can’t come soon enough.
How the Bookies View It: Monfils Ahead
Bookmaker Betfred has this match reasonably close. Monfils leads the betting at 4/9, but Thiem isn’t entirely out of the picture at 7/4 either. The Frenchman is given a -3.5 handicap at 6/5, with set betting expecting this one to be 2-0 Monfils at 23/20.
Recent Head-to-Head: All Thiem
What really spices this match up is the pair’s head-to-head: Thiem leads it 6-0. However, the two haven’t played for more than four years. They’ve also never met on grass, with three of Thiem’s wins on clay, and three on hard.
Anything Else Catch the Eye?
In past meetings, Thiem has been able to hit through Monfils with his powerful forehand. Ever since wrist surgery, Thiem has lost his weapon however.
Despite the very one-sided head-to-head, it’s very much a different Thiem that takes the court in 2024. It’s sad to see the Austrian as a shadow of himself, but it’s safe to say he’s been unable to rekindle the kind of magic that once took him to the sport’s pinnacle.
Monfils vs Thiem Betting Tips & Predictions
We expect Monfils to finally gain a victory over Thiem. The Frenchman is simply fitter, stronger, and seeing the ball better. He’s marginally better on grass too, and should benefit from the weeks off following Roland-Garros.
- Monfils to win @ 4/9
- Monfils to win 2-0 @ 23/20
Monfils and Thiem play third on Center Court, not before 6pm local time, so get your bets in before then.
Bren is our resident Kiwi, and has been playing or watching sports down under in New Zealand for the better part of three decades. With 12+ years experience as a professional writer, Bren loves to dive deep into all things sport to bring the best betting analysis and predictions here at Mr Fixits Tips.
I wish you could do three games Bren