Shelton vs. Monfils, Tien vs. Sonego

This wide-open section of the Australian Open draw will see one of Ben Shelton, Gael Monfils, Learner Tien, and Lorenzo Sonego through to the semifinals. Shelton vs. Monfils will be a match to watch on Monday.

(21) Ben Shelton vs. Gael Monfils

France’s Gael Monfils spent the last two weeks feeding fans a steady diet of thrilling nostalgia. The 35-year-old came out of nowhere to pocket the title in Auckland. But more impressively he has run through the first week in Melbourne with a upset wins over two seeds (Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz). On Monday he will have a third seeded player in his sights, No. 21 Ben Shelton.

Shelton has had a slightly less impressive path to the round of 16, but he still pocketed his own (slight) upset win over No. 16 seed Lorenzo Musetti in the third round. This match is perhaps the most intriguing of the fourth round. Shelton’s serve is one of the most dangerous in all of tennis right now. So while it’s true that Monfils has been in better form to this point, Shelton will have his chances to advance.

Given that the Frenchman came into Melbourne with a title that he won just last week, he has played a great deal of tennis. There will come a point when fatigue will become a factor–but not yet.

Cheryl pick: Monfils in 5

Ricky pick: Monfils in 5

(Q) Learner Tien vs. Lorenzo Sonego

Learner Tien can also speak eloquently about the struggles of “a lot” of tennis. The American teenager was forced to qualify for the Australian Open. He has since dispatched Camilo Ugo Carabelli in five tough sets, No. 5 seed Daniil Medvedev in another five sets, and Corentin Moutet in the third round. Tien is ranked 121st in the world, although that’s going to change in a big way after his performance this fortnight.

In contrast to Shelton, Tien’s game is built on tactics and economy. It’s not so much that he doesn’t have power, it’s that he only uses it when the time is right. He has never played Lorenzo Sonego, but that’s hardly surprising considering he has spent the last couple of years on the Futures and Challenger Tours–and one semester at college.

Sonego didn’t upset any seeds en route to the fourth round, but he had a good win over talented youngster Joao Fonseca in the second round. Based on form, the nod has to go to Tien, but if the fatigue of so much tennis catches up with the young American, Sonego is well-positioned to take advantage.

Cheryl pick: Tien in 4

Ricky pick: Tien in 4