Gael Monfils vs Yoshihito Nishioka Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Lyon Open

Prediction published on 21/05/2024, 08:00  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 21/05/2024 at 08:09 in Tennis Predictions

Eighth seed Gael Monfils and the unseeded Yoshihito Nishioka meet once again at the Lyon Open. Their latest battle will be a first-round showdown with the winner playing Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard or Lorenzo Sonego next. Monfils is back in Lyon for the fourth time. He has never advanced past the second round and has twice been bundled out in the opening round. The veteran Frenchman will be hoping to put up a different account of himself in front of home support. And seeking his first win in this fixture will add to his motivation. Monfils has struggled with his form this year and has so far compiled a shaky 12-12 record. He had his best moments on hard court but as the season has switched to clay he has struggled. The 12-time tour champion has lost four of six matches on clay and is currently on a three-match skid. He has lost his last three fixtures without winning a set with the most recent setback coming in Rome. The former world number six starts the week ranked 38th in the world.

Yoshihito Nishioka has defeated Monfils both times they have met. Their most recent encounter was in the second round of this very tournament three seasons ago. The Japanese number one won in three sets as he made the quarter-finals. This was his best finish here and was the last time he participated in the event. He will be hoping for the same outcome as he seeks to take a hold on his season. Nishioka has found it hard to win this season and has arrives for his third Lyon appearance with a 9-13 record. Things have gone from bad to worse in recent weeks as he has managed just two wins in his last nine fixtures. The 28-year-old lost his previous appearance in the first round at the Torino Challenger and has now lost his last two matches. Despite this, he starts the week up eight places in the live ranking to 72nd.