2021 Australian Open First Round – Gael Monfils vs Emil Ruusuvuori Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Gael Monfils vs Emil Ruusuvuori taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne
When is Gael Monfils vs Emil Ruusuvuori on and what time does it start? Monday 8th February, 2021 – not before 00:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Gael Monfils vs Emil Ruusuvuori? Click here to reach the official 2021 Australian Open ticket selection
What channel is Gael Monfils vs Emil Ruusuvuori on? The 2021 Australian Open will be televised on Eurosport so it is worth checking their schedule for this specific match
Where can I stream Gael Monfils vs Emil Ruusuvuori in the UK? Sky customers can stream this match on the Sky Go app. Alternatively, the match can be streamed to subscribers of Eurosport Player, either on the official website or as an add-on to an Amazon Prime subscription
THE LOWDOWN
GAEL MONFILS
- 34-year-old Gael Monfils’ fitness will be up for debate as he enters the first round of the Australian Open after pulling out of his second ATP Cup match against Dominic Thiem.
- The world number 11 was well beaten by Matteo Berrettini in Team France’s tie with Team Italy and it could be that Monfils stepped out of the match with Thiem to better his chances at this Grand Slam.
EMIL RUUSUVUORI
- Finland’s rising star Emil Ruusuvuori beat Viktor Troicki in the first round of the Murray River Open this week but lost to Borna Coric on Wednesday in his second tournament this year.
- The 21-year-old has a 2-2 record so far this year after reaching the round of 16 at the Antalya Open last month as he faces Monfils here for his debut at the Australian Open.
THE PREDICTION
Emil Ruusuvuori looks a promising young player and a five-set win over Aljaz Bedene in the first round of last year’s US Open on his first ever Grand Slam appearance is a good look early-on in his career. The Finn will have his chances against Gael Monfils with the 34-year-old’s match fitness up for debate and there is a sense of an upset hovering about this fixture. Monfils lost in the first round of Roland-Garros last season in his last Grand Slam appearance and both players to claim a set here looks a decent shout. The Frenchman should be winning this match but it could take as many as five sets before he does so and there his fitness could see him retire here so including this match in any accumulators would be inadvisable. If he can play comfortably, Monfils should win here but Ruusuvuori can take at least a set.
