Tuesday 02/09/2014, 18:30, ATP US Open, Grigor Dimitrov vs Gael Monfils

Grigor Dimitrov vs Gael Monfils Betting Preview

Grigor Dimitrov surged to the ATP top 10 and was expected by many to challenge the top seeds for the lead in 2014. Even though he greatly improved his game over the last couple of years, the Bulgarian player is yet to achieve something significant in a grand slam tournament. Gael Monfils was rather disappointing at Wimbledon this season and tries to make amends by making a deep run at the U.S. Open.

Grigor Dimitrov vs Gael Monfils Betting Odds

At Unibet

Grigor Dimitrov 1.60, Gael Monfils 2.30

Grigor Dimitrov vs Gael Monfils Betting Tips

Grigor Dimitrov took a lengthy break after being eliminated from the Wimbledon tournament by first seed Novak Djokovic. He struggled heavily in Cincinnati and needed three sets in all the games played, before being eliminated in straight sets by Frenchman Tsonga.

A week later, he succumbed under pressure in Cincinnati and was sent to the rail by an underdog, but he plays much better at the U.S. Open. He didn't drop a single set, before losing the first one 6-0 to Goffin, yet he found the strength to claw his way back in the game and secure passage to the next round.

Gael Monfils enjoyed a smooth ride into the fourth stage of the US open, winning nine sets in a row against mediocre opponents. Richard Gasquet was by far the most difficult adversary, but the all-French match concluded with Monfils victorious in three sets.

What makes this player special is his uncanny ability of returning even the most difficult balls and the fact that he never gives up a point. These two qualities will come in handy against a player serving extremely strong, such as Grigor Dimitrov. Both players have a hard time staying focused in long games and they frequently suffer complete meltdowns, losing matches they had dominated from one end to the other.

Key Facts

• Gael Monfils defeated Grigor Dimitrov three years ago at the US open in straight sets, and abandoned the tournament in Bucharest this year
• Gael Monfils only lost to Federer and Djokovic on a hard surface this season and took one set in each match.

Grigor Dimitrov vs Gael Monfils Betting Prediction

This fixture looks more like a coin flip, with the two players being evenly matched and anything could happen on the tennis court. The Bulgarian has a stronger first serve, but is less likely to win long points why both players have a hard time maintaining their composure. Punters would be better off to side with the underdog, while taking the cover of the +1.5 games handicap, which should prove useful if the match is pushed into a decisive set.

Bet: Gael Monfils +1.5 games @ 1.90 with Unibet