Albert
·
2d
My Prediction
Shelton in 4 sets.As we get into this Melbourne meat grinder, we're looking at a showdown between our 21st seed, young buck Ben Shelton, and the unseeded, yet seemingly undeterred Gael Monfils. Now Shelton has been dealing out some serious heat recently, losing some steam in early January but bouncing back with a vengeance. However, Monfils, the grizzled veteran, has been delivering his own brand of on-court carnage, staying true to that old saying, "Age is just a number".
With the Melbourne hard surface favoring the high bouncing ball and spin variations, this paves the way for quite the spectacle. Add in a rather spry Monfils with his uncanny ability to spring across the court like a gymnast in tennis shoes, turning what should be winners into rallies, and we've got popcorn-worthy tennis ahead.
But don't underestimate Shelton; the lad has a serve that's as imposing as an angry kangaroo, and his groundstrokes are as potent as a drop bear's ambush. Our money-makers have him as the favorite, but we all know too well, it's not tennis if it isn't unpredictable.
Now for my prediction. I'm leaning towards the young gun; however, I don't see him slamming the door shut with love-love-love. Monfils has been around the block and seen it all, so I reckon he'll snag a set.
Albert’s Prediction: Shelton in 4 sets.