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Casper Ruud vs Alexei Popyrin Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Ruud to launch clay swing with a win

andrew-hendrie
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Last updated: Tue 07 Apr 2026 01:16

Casper Ruud is poised to take on Alexei Popyrin in the opening round of the Monte Carlo Masters, aiming to exact revenge for last year's upset. Popyrin, who previously defeated Ruud in a keenly contested match, has struggled with form, winning just three matches against top 100 players since August. In contrast, Ruud holds a strong record on clay, particularly against lower-ranked opponents. Given Popyrin's recent challenges and Ruud's prowess on clay, the forecast tips in favor of Ruud, suggesting he can cover a -3.5 games line.

Andrew Hendrie 07 Apr 2026
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  • Casper Ruud vs Alexei Popyrin predictions for Tuesday's ATP Monte Carlo R1 match
  • Ruud tipped to avenge last year's R16 Monte Carlo loss to Popyrin
  • Ruud unbeaten in clay openers since 2024 & has 109-25 record vs players outside the top 40 on this surface
  • The match is scheduled to start around 11.00pm AEDT on Tuesday April 7
Expired
Ruud Popyrin
Ruud and Popyrin clash on Tuesday (Photo by Getty Images)


Casper Ruud vs Alexei Popyrin Tips, Prediction & Live Stream


Casper Ruud will have revenge on his mind as he squares off against Aussie No. 2 Alexei Popyrin in the opening round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.

Popyrin pulled off a three-set upset over Ruud to reach the Monte Carlo quarter-finals 12 months ago - the second consecutive time at this Masters 1000 tournament where the Australian has defeated a top 10 players having conquered Andrey Rublev in the 2024 edition.

However, Popyrin has been in dire form for the better part of the last eight or so months - he's won just three matches over top 100 players since August, while he's also got a quick turnaround from playing in Houston this past week, where he earned back-to-back wins for the first time since August. With limited time to prepare in Monte Carlo (where the clay is very different to that of Houston) and facing a seasoned dirtballer in Ruud, this will be a tough ask for Popyrin.

Ruud has a great record in opening matches at clay tournaments and he more often than not dispatches lower-ranked opposition on this surface. Popyrin's form is down from last year, so I'm backing Ruud to turn the tables and cover a -3.5 games line.
  • Popyrin is 3-8 vs top 100 players in 2026
  • Popyrin is 3-16 vs top 100 players since August 2025
  • Ruud is 5-1 in Monte Carlo R1 matches
  • Ruud hasn't lost his opening match at a clay tournament since Bastad in 2024
  • Ruud is 109-25 vs players outside the top 40 on clay
  • Popyrin is 6-8 vs top 20 players on clay

Ruud vs Popyrin Head To Head

As mentioned, Popyrin leads 1-0 after digging out a tough three-set triumph over Ruud in the R16 of Monte Carlo last year.

YearWinnerEventRoundSurfaceScore
2025Alexei PopyrinATP Masters 1000 Monte-CarloRound of 16Outdoor Clay6–4, 3–6, 7–5

Casper Ruud Form Analysis

  • 2026 Record: 7-7
  • ATP Monte Carlo Record: 11-6
  • Current Ranking: No. 12
  • Career-High Ranking: No. 2 (2022)

Sometimes it's pretty wild to think that Ruud was just a couple of sets away from becoming World No. 1 and the US Open champion in 2022.

Ruud's overall form has certainly dipped over the last couple of years and he comes into this tournament at No. 12 in the world.

The Norwegian became a father for the first time following a fourth round run at the Australian Open and he's only won three matches since.

The 27-year-old suffered a loss to qualifier Yibing Wu in Acapulco and was also upset by Ethan Quinn in Miami in his most-recent tournament.

Ruud will be hoping a return to clay sparks a change in form - he's played great tennis in Monte Carlo, making the semi-finals in 2021 before a runner-up showing in 2024.

Alexei Popyrin Form Analysis

  • 2026 Record: 4-8
  • ATP Monte Carlo Record: 7-5
  • Current Ranking: No. 44
  • Career-High Ranking: No. 19 (August 2025)

Popyrin has been in dreadful form for the most part since August last year, but remains in the top 50 heading into this clash.

However, with Popyrin defending quarter-final points from Monte Carlo last year, he will be set to fall to around No. 60 if he loses this match.

The Aussie has barely been winning matches, but he did restore some confidence in Houston, where he recorded back-to-back wins for the first time since August by beating Patrick Kypson and Alex Michelsen.

Popyrin missed a golden chance to advance even further and put himself in title contention, losing 3-6 6-4 7-6(6) in the quarter-finals to second seed Frances Tiafoe, blowing a match point in the final set tiebreak.

Ruud vs Popyrin Live Stream

Watch and bet on Casper Ruud vs Alexei Popyrin live tennis from Monte Carlo.

You can watch and bet on the match live at Unibet > Tennis > ATP Monte Carlo with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.

Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access. 18+ terms and conditions apply.

Verdict

Popyrin remains well off the sort of form that saw him beat Ruud here 12 months ago - backing the World No. 12 to turn the tables and cover.

Best Bet1: Ruud -3.5 Games Line $1.83 at Ladbrokes Australia - 2 Units
Ruud -3.5
Games Line
$1.83 - 2 Units
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