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 advance to the semi-finals. 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 tantalizing nostalgia. The 35-year-old came out of nowhere to pocket the title in Auckland. But more impressively, he ran through the first week in Melbourne with 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 road to the Round of 16, but he still got his own (easy) upset win over the No. 16 seed Lorenzo Musetti in the third round. This match is perhaps the most exciting of the fourth round. Shelton’s serve is one of the most dangerous in tennis right now. So while it’s true that Monfils has been in better shape to this point, Shelton will have his chances to advance.

Considering the Frenchman came to Melbourne with a title he won last week, he has played a lot of tennis. There will come a time when fatigue becomes a factor – but not yet.

Cheryl pick: Monfils in 5th

Ricky pick: Monfils in 5th

(Q) Learner Ten vs. Lorenzo Sonego

Eleven Tien can also speak eloquently about the matches at “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 is set to change in a big way after his performance this fortnight.

Unlike 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’s never played Lorenzo Sonego, but that’s hardly surprising considering he’s spent the last few years on the Futures and Challenger Tours—and a semester of college.

Sonego upset no 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 goes to Tien, but if the fatigue of so much tennis catches up with the young American, Sonego is well equipped to take advantage.

Cheryl Picks: Ten in 4

Ricky’s choice: Ten in 4