betprepare.com

The Frenchman playing his only second tournament of the season

Monfils took a break after Australia. He likes playing in France, but in his 7 appearances here, he was eliminated in the first round five times, while Stakhovsky is recording some great performances

Getty Images

Monfils

After a great season in which he finally showed some consistency, he carefully put together his schedule at the start of this season. We have only seen him at the Australian Open where he looked good. He couldn't find a solution for Nadal in the round of 16, and then decided for a different move. He missed the Davis Cup and a few indoor tournaments, went to America to rest and and then for additional preparation. 

- I was at home in the USA, rested a bit, but also worked. I haven't prepared additionally for indoor since I was good in those conditions last year. I love playing in France, and I remember a final here. I am ready and motivated - said the Frenchman. In his seven appearances here, he reached the final once, and he was eliminated in the first round five times. 

He is more mature now than he was in the past, and we should mention that his record against players outside the Top 50 in the past year on hardcourt is 18-2, and he defeated Stakhovsky on hardcourt in 2014. 

Stakhovsky

The experienced Ukrainian is much more dangerous indoor, and he has shown that at this tournament. Two years ago he reached the semi-final, and this year he already recorded three wins. 

After some struggle in the qualifiers, he played his best match of the season in the first round. Of course, Vesely's problems with adaptation also helped, and Sergiy skillfully used the advantage he had, since this was his 5th straight indoor tournament. He won the match calmly with three breaks, and he hasn't lost his serve once. His career record against Top 10 players on hardcourt in 1-24, but his only win was here against Wawrinka.