Andy Murray and Gael Monfils set for Challenger reunion

Former World No 1 Andy Murray and erstwhile top Frenchman Gael Monfils will renew their rivalry after nine years.

Their last meeting came on the hallowed clay of Roland Garros in 2014’s quarter-finals.

In contrast, their upcoming clash at the Open Aix Provence Credit Agricole is a Challenger Tour event.

Monfils has been beating the comeback trail after a long injury layoff while Murray has endured a rough clay swing and suffered an early exit from the 12-day Madrid Open.

Murray is currently ranked No 52 in the world and holds a 4-2 lead in the head-to-head against Monfils, who has slipped to a ranking of No 322.

Monfils and Murray are great friends, and some might wonder if this will take on the air of an exhibition as a result.

However, it would seem that Murray at least has work on his mind for his visit to the South of France.

Murray was dejected after his first round exit from the Madrid Open, admitting that the clay swing wasn’t quite going to plan.

“Certainly the beginning of the clay season hasn’t been that easy for me, but normally after a few weeks, I start to feel better and play better,” Murray said in his post-match press conference. “Obviously last year, I’m not saying I came here and played unbelievable tennis straightaway, but I was playing well enough to win matches… against good players, top players.”

Murray hasn’t made up his mind about taking part in the second Grand Slam of the year in Paris.

He suggested that if it came down to it he would prioritise being in the best possible shape for the grass season.

“I would like to play, just purely because I don’t know if I’ll get another opportunity to play again. Whilst I feel fit and healthy, I would like to give it a go,” he said of his future.

“But I also have ambitions of competing for Wimbledon titles and that sort of stuff, and I know that sitting here today that probably doesn’t sound realistic, but I do believe that that’s a possibility. I obviously want to do the right thing there.”

Murray, who is 8-7 for the season so far, meets the 1-5 Monfils on Tuesday in the headline match at the Country Club Aixois in Provence which hosts the Open Aix Provence Credit Agricole.

The Brit has lost in the first round of the last two tournaments he has entered.

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal facing humiliating rankings collapse after French Open