16 years apart and a match not to be missed on Monday. Gaël Monfilsauthor of an XXL exploit against Taylor Fritzwill find the American Ben Sheltonfan of the Frenchman’s game for a match which promises to be explosive between two big servers. After his success against Lorenzo Musettione of his pet peeves (6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5)), the American spoke at length about his future opponent. “I know the fans are going to enjoy it. That’s why I love the Grand Slams.” he commented at a press conference.
Video – Gaël Monfils will face Ben Shelton in the round of 16!
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“Monfils? His compilation of highlights is one of the best of all time”
“I’m very happy because, of all the guys in the top 20, or even on the circuit, he’s one of the guys who gives me the most trouble” commented Sheltonevoking his victory over Lorenzo Musetti in four rounds, before looking ahead to the next round… and an opponent he knows well. “There’s a compilation of highlights that everyone must have seen on YouTube, it’s crazy. For me, it’s one of the best of all time. It’s Gaël in all his athletic dimension. At one point , at Roland Garros, I think, he dives on a lob and he ends up winning the point. It was crazy for me, if we have to say who has the best highlights, counting basketball, the NFL… If we have to choose one, it’s Gael Monfils.”
However, the match will be open, Shelton slightly favorite, and the winner has everything to gain: a second quarter to Melbourne for Shelton (3 participations) and a third for Monfils (19 participations). “I don’t plan to remain a spectator,” added the American. “I know the fans are going to enjoy it. That’s why I love Grand Slams. I have the impression that, whatever the court or your opponent, everything can get crazy.”